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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260213
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260214
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20260217T142413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T142413Z
UID:10000552-1770940800-1771027199@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sprinkler system controls Portsmouth e-bike high-rise Fire
DESCRIPTION:Matt Rowe\, fire safety station manager\, “This incident once again\, showed the dangers of charging electronic bikes/scooters inside but highlighted the benefits of a fully functioning sprinkler system installed for life safety. This system kept the fire in check until the fire service arrived and allowed crews to work in a safer environment\, knowing the fire would be limited in size reducing the risk of entering the compartment to fully extinguish the fire. HIWFRS continue to promote the installation of sprinklers for both life and property safety and this incident could have been a lot different without this early suppression system in place” \n Summary \nOn the 13 February 2026\, HIWFRS were mobilised to a e-bike fire on the tenth floor of a 12-storey tall rise building in Portsmouth. The fire involving a charging e-bike was contained\, following the activation of the building’s sprinkler system. The benefit of which allowed firefighters to work in a safer environment to extinguish the fire. Four casualties were treated for smoke inhalation by South Central Ambulance Service\, released at the scene. \nA comparable incident was reported by West Midland Fire Rescue Service (WMFRS) in April 2023. In this instance\, a lithium-ion battery for an e-bicycle\, left charging in the hallway of a flat within a residential apartment block\, ignited and compromised the designated escape routes.The building’s retrofitted sprinkler system promptly activated\, containing\, controlling\, and extinguishing the fire through the activation of a single sprinkler head. The occupants sought refuge on their balcony until they were safely rescued by firefighters. \nA West Midlands mum stated her partner and her young son owe their lives to a sprinkler system\, she is quoted as saying in a WMFRS media release \n“We couldn’t get out. We were on the tenth floor. It was too high. I can tell you for sure that the sprinklers saved our lives. It is brilliant they were installed in the first place.” \nIncidents involving lithium-ion fires are becoming more common\, 1LFB reported a record number of fires involving e-bike and e-scooter fires across London in 2025 with more than 200 fires attended by firefighters across the capital.Since 2023\, five fatalities in London have been linked to fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters. Sprinkler systems play a crucial role in reducing the rate of heat and smoke\, providing more time for the occupants to escape to safety or be rescued by the FRS.Without the presence of sprinklers as part of a package of fire safety measures\, these incidents may have had a much more severe consequence for the occupants. \nThe Incident  \n\nHIWFRS responded to a fire in a former office building\, now converted into residential units\, after a remote monitoring station sent an alert following the activation of the sprinkler system.\nOn arrival\, the incident commander completed a dynamic risk assessment\, identifying the presence of a sprinkler system\, and established a tactical plan tailored for high-rise operations to extinguish the fire.\nFirefighters wearing breathing apparatus were committed to the tackle the fire within a dwelling on the tenth floor.\nUpon entry\, it was established that the fire within the hallway had been suppressed by the activation of 1 sprinkler head located nearest to the seat of the fire involving a e-bike on charge.\nThe fire was extinguished by firefighters using firefighting media via the premises dry rising main.\nAfter confirming that the fire was fully extinguished\, firefighters proceeded to isolate the dwellings sprinkler isolation valve.\nFire\, smoke damage was contained\, controlled to the dwelling.\nFour residents sustained minor injuries for smoke inhalation.\n\n Conclusion \nThis incident reinforces the benefits of sprinklers playing a significant role as part of a package of fire safety measures\, reducing the impact of fire on people\, firefighters\, property and the environment. Despite sprinkler protection of lithium batteries being outside the scope of current sprinkler design standards\, these incident(s) demonstrates that a sprinkler system can contain\, control a e-bike/scooter lithium battery fire. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of Automatic Water Suppression Systems (AWSS) following the report conducted by ²Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nRevealed that across all premises types: – \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nIt is important to acknowledge that the sprinkler system contributed significantly to the effective resolution of this incident. \n\nPreventing flash over\, reducing the rate of production of heat and smoke to the compartment of origin\, limiting fire growth\, suppressing the fire.\nLimited the development of the fire to the item first ignited.\nPrevented conflagration.\nProvided confidence to firefighters to deal with the incident\, due to the presence of the sprinkler system allowing valuable time for a dynamic risk assessment\, tactical plan to be actioned\, implemented.\nIdentified the importance of active fire protection systems minimising fire-related risks.\nAllowed prompt incident resolution and earlier release of resources\, supporting continued emergency response and giving crews greater confidence when tackling fires in sprinkler protected buildings\nWater egress was reported following the activation of the sprinkler system for context modern sprinklers release 45 litres of water per minute\, compared to 700-4000 litres per minute discharged by fire service hoses/jets.\n\nThis incident provides further supporting evidence of the benefits of AWSS to under pin the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association’s (BAFSA) advocacy\, turning operational evidence into persuasive tools for policy and parliamentary engagement. Supporting our campaign to increase the presence of AWSS within the built environment by highlighting real life\, tangible examples of where AWSS were present and had an impact. As such\, each of these stories provides powerful evidence of the ability of AWSS protecting our communities from fire. \nEffective advocacy and policy lobbying \nRequire the collection of robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that may contribute to this initiative\, please provide the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk. \nReferences\, Sources \n\n1Record number of e-bike and e-scooter fires across London in 2025\n2Optimal economics report Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk; An analysis from fire service data\nHampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & rescue Service press release\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Winter Update\nNational Fire Sprinkler Network Newsletter\nNational Fire Chiefs Council AWSS Position Statement\n\n\n       
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/sprinkler-system-controls-portsmouth-e-bike-high-rise-fire/
LOCATION:Portsmouth
CATEGORIES:Residential
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260120
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260121
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20260120T070816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T060307Z
UID:10000548-1768867200-1768953599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:London Primary School Sprinkler Activation
DESCRIPTION:Summary  \nOn 23 August 2025\, London Fire Brigade responded to six emergency calls reporting a fire at a primary school. Fire crews from nearby stations were dispatched at 00:08 hours. Upon arrival\, the incident commander identified a fire located on the third floor of the building\, impacting a constructed timber-framed extension located on the school’s green roof. One sprinkler head activated on the floor of origin\, working in unison with fire crews to contain\, control the fire. The fire was extinguished by firefighters using jets\, 50% of the extension was damaged by fire. \nThe fire is being treated as accidental\, with investigations indicating that it was likely caused by hot works carried out during construction activities on the extension earlier that day resulting in a concealed fire within the fabric of the building\, no injuries were reported. A sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nWhen you read real life tangible examples of where fire sprinklers have actuated containing\, controlling or even in some cases extinguishing school fires\, you ask yourself why sprinklers are still not mandatory for newly constructed school buildings in England with the benefits they bring protecting: – \n\nThe school\, in terms of life safety/property.\nThe environment reducing Co2 emissions.\nStudents course work\, teachers teaching aids\, resources\nVital local community resource.\n\nWorking with the National Fire Chiefs Council\, (NFCC) the National Fire Sprinkler Network\, and our Automatic Water Suppression System (AWSS) colleagues we gather evidence of these incidents as a valuable tool highlighting the benefits of AWSS providing vital evidence of the reliability and effectiveness of AWSS adding further weight to the report conducted by 1Optimal economics into the performance\, reliability and effectiveness of AWSS. \nProviding further evidence supporting our long-standing campaign to increase the presence of sprinklers within the built environment by highlighting real life tangible examples of where AWSS were present and had an impact. As such\, each of these stories provide powerful evidence of the ability of AWSS protecting our communities from fire. The outcome of which will influence policymakers to implement change\, \nParameters of the sprinkler system \nThe objective of the AWSS is to detect a fire in its early stages and extinguish it over the affected area of the floor with water in the room of origin\, or to contain the fire so that it can be effectively extinguished by other means. For this incident\, the concealment of the fire allowed it to develop and spread unnoticed for an undetermined period\, ultimately resulting in the emergence of the fire. The consequences of this event had the potential to exceed the systems design and operational parameters. Nevertheless\, one sprinkler head activated on the floor of origin contributing to containing the fire preventing further fire spread. \nLegislation \nThe installation of AWSS It is a requirement in Scotland and a condition of government funding in Wales\, but despite the rising number of school fires since the lockdowns of 22020/21 there is no requirement in England or Northern Ireland for the installation of sprinklers in schools.The NFCC report that in May 2021\, the government announced a proposal to make the installation of sprinklers mandatory in new schools over 11m in height\, However\, given that only a few schools currently meet this threshold\, the benefits of this proposal are likely to be limited. When replying to the consultation on these proposals\, the NFCC was clear that their strongly held belief is that they constitute a lessening of standards from previous guidance. \nThe original guidance\, when first released in 2007\, acknowledged the important role of sprinklers and stated that “all new schools should have fire sprinklers installed except in a few low-risk schools.” The proposed changes in the guidance are a retrograde step and represent a real lessening of standards in this area. Now approaching over 4 years since the government first consulted on a revised version of Building Bulletin 100: design for fire safety in schools\, we are still waiting for a decision to be announced. \nMyths & Misconceptions \nIt is disappointing to read a council news press release referencing that the whole building suffered water damage\, primarily due to the sprinklers being activated contributing to the site being unusable\, for context jets were deployed by LFB to extinguish the fire with only 1 sprinkler head activating. In comparison water damage from a fire sprinkler system will be far less severe than the damage caused by water from firefighter jets/hoses. Modern sprinklers operate very quickly to release 45 – 200 litres of water per minute\, compared to 700 – 4000 litres per minute discharged by fire service hoses and jets. \nBusiness Recovery Plan \nFirefighters are increasingly likely to respond to incidents in buildings equipped with sprinkler systems\, it is therefore critical for building managers and duty holders to integrate an effective business recovery plan into the premises’ emergency protocols. The benefit of which will allow the fire service to efficiently manage water following sprinkler system activation during a fire or in the rare event of accidental discharge\, thereby mitigating potential disruptions to business operations or occupancy. \nConclusion \n\nThe sprinkler system contributed to preventing conflagration of the school building\, protecting a valuable community resource.\nThe importance of an onsite business recovery plan for firefighters to respond to incidents in buildings equipped with sprinkler systems to manage the release of water.\nThe installation of sprinklers in news schools in England should be made mandatory regardless of height.\nProviding further supporting evidence to under pin BAFSA’s advocacy\, turning operational evidence into persuasive tools for policy and parliamentary engagement\, and reinforcing the case for wider sprinkler inclusion within national building policy.\n\nLobbying for change \nEffective advocacy and policy lobbying require the collection of robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that may contribute to this initiative\, please provide the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk. \nSources/further reading \n\n2Incident statistics for England in primary /secondary and other educational establishments\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves winter update\nNational Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement\nPress release LFB\, fire at school Streatham\nBAFSA guide for ‘responsible persons’ in sprinklered buildings
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/london-primary-school-sprinkler-activation/
LOCATION:London
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-18.05.48.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251130T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20260212T185234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T185334Z
UID:10000551-1761984000-1764522000@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Water Mist Activation Extinguishes Scotland Residential High-Rise Fire
DESCRIPTION: 1Stuart Stevens\, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer\, said: \n“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service welcome the amended regulations and the increased provision of automatic fire suppression systems. This provision is a significant step forward in fire safety and will increase the safety of our communities\, residents and firefighters.” \nSummary \nIn November 2025\, the Scottish Fire Rescue Service (SFRS) responded to a fire in a second-floor flat of a 11-storey high-rise residential building. The fire involving a chip pan was contained and extinguished before the arrival of SFRS following the activation of the building’s water mist system. Two residents sustained minor injuries. \nThe British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) welcomed the Scottish Government decision in 2020 requiring all new build social homes\, flats\, and shared multi-occupied residential buildings in Scotland to be fitted with Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) from March 2021. Previously\, this was only required in new purpose-built block of flats above 18m. Nevertheless\, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers. \nThis incident provides further supporting evidence of the benefits of AFSS to under pin the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association’s (BAFSA) advocacy\, turning operational evidence into persuasive tools for policy and parliamentary engagement\, and reinforcing the case for the retrofitting of sprinklers systems in high-rise residential blocks of flats. \nSupporting our campaign to increase the presence of AWSS within the built environment by highlighting real life\, tangible examples of where AWSS were present and had an impact. As such\, each of these stories provides powerful evidence of the ability of AWSS protecting our communities from fire. \nThe Incident  \n\nA fire originated in the kitchen as a result of a chip pan containing cooking oil.\nUpon entry to the flat\, firefighters established that the fire had been controlled\, contained\, and extinguished by the activation of 1 nozzle head.\nTotal property area damaged by fire was reported to be under 5M2 with post fire ventilation completed by SFRS.\nTwo residents sustained minor injuries.\nMinor water egress was reported effecting the flat of origin and premises below the fire requiring the premises electrics to be made safe.\n\nConclusion \nThis incident reinforces the benefits of AWSS\, in this case water mist which can be used as a form of suppression in buildings where there is an appropriate test protocol in accordance with the relevant standard. Playing a significant role as part of a package of fire safety measures\, reducing the impact of fire on people\, firefighters\, property and the environment. Sprinkler Saves UK promotes the reporting of all types of fire suppression systems. \nIt is noteworthy to learn about the effective activation of a water mist system which successfully achieved its intended functional objectives. \n\nReducing the rate of production of heat and smoke limiting fire growth and ultimately extinguishing the fire.\nLimited the development of the fire to the room of origin.\n\nIf it was for the decision by North Ayrshire Council’s decision to upgrade and retrofit an Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS) in this building the outcome of this could have been so much different. \nBAFSA has published a2guide which provides detailed information on the types of water mist systems available\, how they can be used and how to choose the most appropriate one for the selected application. \nWatermist and sprinkler system-a look at the trends \nThe 3Sprinklers Saves Review 2024/2025\, references an article analysing AWSS trends. The report provides insight into the prevalence of AWSS across the country stock by examining primary fire data that recorded the presence and impact of 1764 incidents involving sprinklers\, water mist for the period 2018/19 through 2023/24. \nFor dwelling fires\, the data highlighted that the overall trend for water mist is flat with 49 activations over the six-year period compared to sprinklers with 619. \nEffective advocacy and policy lobbying \nRequire the collection of robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that may contribute to this initiative\, please provide the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk. \nReferences\, Sources \n\n1Scottish Government News\, Improved fire safety for new flats and social homes.\n2Water Mist Technical Guide\n3Sprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Winter Update\nScottish Fire Rescue Service\, Fire Sprinkler Systems\nNational Fire Chiefs Council AWSS Position Statement\nNational Fire Sprinkler Network Winter Newsletter \n\n             
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/water-mist-activation-extinguishes-scotland-residential-high-rise-fire/
LOCATION:Scotland
CATEGORIES:Home
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251130T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20260205T161235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T123859Z
UID:10000550-1761984000-1764522000@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sprinkler system contains hot cooking fire in London residential tall building
DESCRIPTION:Image credit tptfire\n Background \nThe benefits of installing Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) were demonstrated following a fire in a London high-rise residential block of flats. The building sprinkler system activated\, thereby containing\, controlling the kitchen fire involving hot cooking oil. There were no reports of any injuries. \nDemonstrating the effectiveness of sprinklers in controlling fires at an early stage\, significantly reducing the risk to life\, limiting fire spread and minimising property damage\, preventing the fire from spreading further preventing flash over allowing a positive outcome. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by 1Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nThe Incident \nA fire that started in the kitchen of an open plan kitchen/lounge flat on the third floor of a 17-storey block of flats was effectively contained\, controlled by the activation of two sprinkler heads. One person left the building before the arrival of the London Fire Brigade. The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by cooking oil igniting in a pan. \nThe activated concealed sprinkler head nearest to the fire is visible in the image\, the rise in temperature at ceiling level allowed the cover plate to disengage releasing the deflector plate from its housing\, the continued heating of the exposed sprinkler caused the heat sensitive liquid in the glass bulb to expand causing the glass to shatter releasing the plug. Allowing the water to be released to strike the deflector\, forming a uniform spray pattern over the fire\, two heads activated. \n       \nImage credit tptfire\nThe cooking extractor fan directly above the seat of the fire was 100% damaged by fire\, with smoke staining visible at ceiling level\, wall units. A distinctive circular water spray pattern is visible in proximity of the sprinkler head preventing the smoke jets staining the ceiling. Following the confirmation the fire was all out\, the sprinkler system was isolated by LFB for the individual flat. \nSpecification of the sprinkler system  \n\nInstalled to comply with BS 9251\, Fire Sprinkler Systems for Domestic and Residential Occupancies – Code of Practice.\nWater supply shared cold-water booster main.\n\nConclusion  \nThis incident provides further supporting evidence of the benefits of sprinklers to under pin the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association’s (BAFSA) advocacy\, turning operational evidence into persuasive tools for policy and parliamentary engagement. We welcomed the government’s November 2020 decision to lower the height threshold for mandatory sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential blocks of flats) from 30 metres to 11 metres. Nevertheless\, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers. \nIn alignment with the 2NFCC sprinkler position statement\, The BAFSA advocate for government action to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings. Retrofitting should apply to all existing residential buildings over 18 metres in height\, or those with at least seven storeys served by a single staircase\, as well as all existing residential buildings exceeding 11 metres\, based on risk assessments. \nThe outcome of this fire could have been so different if the building had not been fitted with a sprinkler system. \nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler saves review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves winter review\nNFSN Newsletter\n1Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the United Kingdom:An Analysis from Fire Service Data\n2NFCC AWSS Policy Statement\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. To make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n           
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/sprinkler-system-contains-hot-cooking-fire-in-london-residential-tall-building/
LOCATION:London
CATEGORIES:Residential
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251130T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251130T193334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T114636Z
UID:10000541-1761984000-1764522000@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Scotland Fulfilment Centre Saved By Sprinklers
DESCRIPTION:Summary \nScottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reported a fire within a fulfilment warehouse about the size of 14 football pitches (93\,000 square metres) involving a multi-tiered mezzanine structure. The fire was able to develop through openings in the structure\, leading to a limited number of sprinklers operating on each level to control the fire. which was contained and controlled by the activation of the in-rack type automatic water suppression system. (AWSS) No injuries were reported. \nThe risks posed by these types of fires to firefighters should not be underestimated\, as they often involve high storage density. This can lead to fires of such magnitude that it becomes impossible for firefighters to access the area and perform manual firefighting operations. \nResearch conducted by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) identifies that for firefighters to safely perform rescues from large storage warehouses a threshold limit of 4\,000m2 is the limit to perform effective rescue. Demonstrating that the current threshold of 20\,000m2 in England (Size of two football pitches) and 14\,000m2 in Scotland must be lowered. (Reducing to 1\,000m2 for warehouses containing hazardous goods.) \nA sprinkler save (activation) is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This review further substantiates the role and advantages of sprinkler systems within the built environment. \nFor this incident\, the operation of the AWSS\, inside the facility led to the following outcomes: \n\nImplementation of the premises emergency plan allowing the safe evacuation of staff from the premises which can accommodate up to 1200 staff members.\nActivation of the in-rack sprinkler system preventing horizontal fire spread.\nReduced the rate of production of heat and smoke limiting fire growth and ultimately containing and controlling the fire.\nLimited the development of the fire\, facilitating search and rescue efforts by firefighters and reducing risk to personnel.\nAverted the complete loss of the building due to fire.\nPrevented a potentially extended incident that could have required considerable resources from SFRS and impacted routine operations.\n\nThis incident provides additional evidence supporting the reliability and effectiveness of AWSS\, aligning with findings from the report conducted by 1Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council and National Fire Sprinkler Network on the performance of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nThe incident \n\nSFRS despatched 4 pumping appliances to reports of a fire within a warehouse at 13:07.\nUpon arrival the incident commander established:\nThat the seat of the fire was located on the first floor of the 4-storey mezzanine level.\nWhich had spread to the ground\, second\, third and fourth level of the structure.\nActivating the premises sprinkler system.\nFirefighters equipped with breathing apparatus were committed to tackle the fire\, extinguishing the fire using firefighting media\, two jets.\n4 sprinkler heads activated containing\, controlling the fire preventing horizontal fire spread.\nThe affected area damaged by fire covered approximately 10m² per floor.\nStop message confirming the fire was all out received by SFRS control at 15:27 hours.\nEnquires are ongoing to identify the cause of the fire.\n\nConclusion \n\nThis incident highlights the critical importance of active fire protection systems\, notably in rack sprinkler systems\, demonstrating their effectiveness minimising fire-related risks to people\, property\, and the environment.\nAn event with the potential for significant escalation was resolved swiftly\, resulting in minor disruption due to the effective operation of the sprinkler system.\nIncorporating sprinkler systems can safeguard assets\, minimise financial loss\, and bolster business resilience by controlling or extinguishing fires prior to the arrival of emergency services\, allowing for rapid resumption of normal operations and mitigating economic and social impacts.\n\nEssex non sprinklered warehouse fire \nFor context\, the Business Sprinkler Alliance report that in in September 2025\, a non-sprinklered 4000m2 warehouse was destroyed by fire. Requiring 90 firefighters\, 12 fire appliances and specialist equipment from Essex County Fire & rescue Service to contain\, control and extinguish the fire. The warehouse was shared by two businesses\, the financial impact is unknown\, but both companies will need to find alternative accommodation. The disruption to the business operations along with the destruction of stock is likely to come at a severe cost \n \nBRE’s Cost benefit analysis \nResearch conducted by 2BRE Global in 2013 identified sprinklers to be cost effective fire suppression mechanisms in Warehouses larger than 2\,000m2 (around half a football pitch in size) \nThe research also reported other benefits from installing sprinklers including\, reductions in \n\nThe costs of injuries and fatalities.\nReductions in the CO2 released in fires.\nReductions in C02 embodied in replacement of building contents and reconstruction of the building.\nReductions in water used for firefighting.\nReduction in unemployment caused by fires.\n\nBAFSA Comment: \n\nWe support the National Fire Chiefs Council position that Government should reduce the current threshold for the requirement of sprinklers within storage and warehouses to 4\,000m2\n\nSources/further reading \n\n1Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service Data\n2 An Environmental Impact and Cost Benefit Analysis for Fire Sprinklers in Warehouse Building\, BRE Global\, December 2013\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/25\nSprinkler Saves winter update \nBusiness Sprinkler Alliance\, case study Essex warehouse fire\nNFCC AWSS Policy Statement\nNFSN Winter newsletter\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/scotland-fulfilment-centre-saved-by-sprinklers/
LOCATION:Scotland
CATEGORIES:Industrial
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251130T000000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20260129T094356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T114642Z
UID:10000549-1761955200-1764460800@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Retrofitted sprinkler system extinguishes fire in West Midlands residential tall building
DESCRIPTION:Image credit Wolverhampton Homes living room seat of the fire\n‘The safety of residents is our top priority. We are working with customers and partners such as West Midlands Fire Service\, to ensure that residents are safe from fire at all times. Installing sprinklers in our tower blocks has proven to not only to save lives\, but also minimises damage to the flat and protects firefighters in tackling what could have been a large blaze.’\nNick Lacey\, Building Safety Manager at Wolverhampton Homes\nBackground \nWolverhampton Homes reported this fire and reiterated its commitment to installing sprinklers\, enabling this positive news story to reach a broader audience. By clearly demonstrating the advantages of sprinkler systems in residential fires\, this outcome will entice other stakeholders and housing providers to follow is lead and install sprinklers\, thereby enhancing fire protection for our communities. \nFollowing the tragic fire at Grenfell tower\, the City of Wolverhampton Council took the decision as part of their high-rise infrastructure programme to include the retrofitting of sprinklers in all 36 high-rise tower blocks\, with all but one managed by Wolverhampton Homes. They were built between 1960 and 1973 to provide large numbers of social housing on tight footprints. \nIn the autumn of 2025\, West Midlands Fire Rescue Service (WMFRS) responded to a fire in a high-rise purpose-built block of flats. The buildings sprinkler system activated\, thereby containing\, controlling and extinguishing a small living room fire. No injuries were reported. \nDemonstrating the effectiveness of sprinklers in controlling fires at an early stage\, significantly reducing the risk to life\, limiting fire spread and minimising property damage\, preventing the fire from spreading further preventing flash over allowing a positive outcome. \nIf it was not for the decision by the City of Wolverhampton Council to retrofit sprinklers in their high-rise property portfolio\, the outcome of this incident could have been so different. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by 1Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nThe Incident \nA fire that started in the living room of a one-bedroom unit within a 16-story residential purpose-built block of flats was caused by discarded smoking materials. The blaze was effectively contained\, controlled\, and extinguished in its original location by the activation of a single sidewall sprinkler head before WMFRS arrived. However\, because the internal doors were left open\, smoke spread throughout the flat. \nThe images identify that the resident maintained poor housekeeping\, with significant disorganisation and clutter throughout the living space with smoking paraphernalia on display. The NFCC report smoking is one of the top causes of accidental dwelling fires in the Uk. Nationally\, it remains the top cause of accidental fire deaths. In the event of a fire\, these conditions could have accelerated its spread\, compromising the means of escape from the flat to a place of safety. \nFortunately\, in this instance\, the sprinkler system was present\, activated controlling the fire’s development and significantly reducing heat and smoke production. This allowed the resident more time to self-evacuate from the dwelling to a place of safety. \n                            \nImage credit Wolverhampton Homes living room seat of the fire\nSpecification of the sprinkler system  \n\nInstalled to comply with BS 9251:2014 Fire Sprinkler Systems for Domestic and Residential Occupancies – Code of Practice.\nCategory 3:\n\nConclusion  \nThis incident provides further supporting evidence of the benefits of sprinklers to under pin the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association’s (BAFSA) advocacy\, turning operational evidence into persuasive tools for policy and parliamentary engagement\, and reinforcing the case for the retrofitting of sprinklers systems in high-rise residential blocks of flats. \nWe welcomed the government’s November 2020 decision to lower the height threshold for mandatory sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential blocks of flats) from 30 metres to 11 metres. Nevertheless\, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers. \nIn alignment with the 2NFCC sprinkler position statement\, The BAFSA advocate for government action to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings. Retrofitting should apply to all existing residential buildings over 18 metres in height\, or those with at least seven storeys served by a single staircase\, as well as all existing residential buildings exceeding 11 metres\, based on risk assessments. \nThe outcome of this fire could have been so different if building had not been fitted with a sprinkler system. \nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler saves review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves winter review\nNFSN Newsletter\n1Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the United Kingdom:An Analysis from Fire Service Data\n2NFCC AWSS Policy Statement\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. To make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n  \n             \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/retrofitted-sprinkler-system-extinguishes-fire-in-west-midlands-residential-tall-building/
LOCATION:West Midlands
CATEGORIES:Home
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251022
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251023
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251120T095633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T114401Z
UID:10000540-1761091200-1761177599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sprinklers contain fire in Stafford block of flats
DESCRIPTION:Group Manager Mark Walchester Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) said: “Fire sprinklers are widely recognised as the single most effective method for preventing fire spread in the early stages\, and that was certainly the case in this incident. \n“If the sprinkler had not been activated\, the fire could have spread and become a bigger risk to residents. \n“I would like to reiterate to all housing providers how important these systems are; they not only limit damage but have the ability to save lives.” \nSummary \nAt 4:25am on 22 October 2025\, SFRS responded to a fire in a high-rise residential block of flats. The building’s retrofitted sprinkler system activated\, successfully containing and controlling the fire within the room of origin. Firefighters then extinguished the blaze using appropriate firefighting media. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by 1Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nRevealed that across all premises types: – \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nThe incident \n\nFire crews responded to a reported fire in a residential tall building.\nAfter conducting a dynamic risk assessment upon arrival\, the incident commander (IC) determined that the sprinkler system in a flat on the 6th floor of the 16-storey building had been activated.\nThe activation of the sprinkler system allowed time for the IC to implement a robust high rise tactical plan for the incident.\nFirefighters were committed\, establishing that the fire been contained\, controlled in the flat of origin by the activation of 1 sprinkler head.\nThe fire was extinguished using firefighting media.\nThe residents self-evacuated the dwelling prior to the arrival of SFRS.\nEnquires are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.\n\nThe British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA)welcomed the government’s November 2020 decision to lower the height threshold for mandatory sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential blocks of flats) from 30 metres to 11 metres. Nevertheless\, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers. \nIn alignment with the 2National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement\, the BAFSA advocate for government action to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings. Retrofitting should apply to all existing residential buildings over 18 metres in height\, or those with at least seven storeys served by a single staircase\, as well as all existing residential buildings exceeding 11 metres\, based on risk assessments. \nIf it was not for the decision of the housing provider to retrofit sprinklers the outcome of this incident could have been so much different. \nConclusion \nThis incident highlights the value of residential sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings. In this case\, the system: \n\nProvided support to firefighters operating within a high-rise building reducing fire growth.\nControlling the fire in its early stages\, reducing contribution to fire spread made by combustible construction materials.\nProvided valuable time for the occupier to self-evacuate from the dwelling to a place of safety.\nPrevented conflagration.\nIdentified the importance of active fire protection systems minimising fire-related risks.\nAllowed prompt incident resolution and earlier release of resources\, supporting continued emergency response and giving crews greater confidence when tackling fires in sprinkler protected buildings.\n\nFurthermore\, this incident illustrates that sprinklers are integral to a thorough fire safety strategy\, protecting lives\, property\, and the environment. It also strengthens ongoing advocacy efforts by the NFCC and stakeholders within the fire sector for more rigorous government regulations regarding the retrofitting of sprinklers in existing buildings. \nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves winter update\n1Optimal economics report Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk: An analysis from fire service data.\n2National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement\nSFRS Press release\, Sprinkler system prevents spread of fire inside flats\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link.
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/sprinklers-extinguish-fire-in-stafford-block-of-flats/
LOCATION:Stafford
CATEGORIES:Residential
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/heic:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_2302.heic
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251009
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251010
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251107T141808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T141808Z
UID:10000537-1759968000-1760054399@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Specialised Housing Complex Sprinkler Save
DESCRIPTION:Scott Harrison\, Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service said\, \n “It is the position of both the National Fire Chiefs Council and Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service\, that sprinklers are an invaluable active fire safety feature that saves lives in the event of a fire\, reducing both property damage and the business impact on the premises”. “This incident underscores the effectiveness of residential life safety sprinkler systems in mitigating fire development. In this case\, a chip pan fire was controlled\, extinguished\, providing the occupant with sufficient time to evacuate safely prior to the arrival of the emergency services”. \nSummary \nSpecialised and supporting housing has seen demographic shifts\, with people living longer lives. This rise in life expectancy means more residents face mobility issues\, reduced sensory abilities\, and cognitive challenges\, which all heighten both the chances of fire and the risk to individuals during such emergencies. \nReinforced by the study\, analysis of national 1fire data\, an in-depth review of fire-related fatalities and severe casualties in England\, 2010/11 to 2018/19 referenced that while there is a lack of recent research on fatal fires\, the available studies consistently identified age\, the presence of an impairment such as physical disability\, smoking\, and alcohol use as key factors on the outcome of the fire\, as they will be less able to respond to a fire. \nThis report details an incident involving a chip pan fire in a flat located within a specialised housing complex. The fire was effectively contained and extinguished by the ²retrofitted sprinkler system. There were no reported injuries\, as the resident successfully self-evacuated prior to the arrival of the Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service (GMFRS). \nProviding further evidence supporting our long-standing campaign to increase the presence of sprinklers within the built environment by highlighting real life\, tangible examples of where Automatic Water Suppression Systems (AWSS) were present and had an impact. As such\, each of these stories provides powerful evidence of the ability of AWSS protecting our communities from fire. \nWorking with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, the National Fire Sprinkler Network\, and our sprinkler industry colleagues\, we gather evidence of these incidents as a valuable tool highlighting the benefits of AWSS providing vital evidence of the reliability and effectiveness of AWSS adding further weight to the report conducted by 2Optimal economics into the performance\, reliability and effectiveness of AWSS. \nThe outcome of which will influence policymakers to implement change\, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association\, (BAFSA) welcomed the government announcement that as of March 2025\, sprinklers are now required in all new care homes within England\, which we have been constantly calling for\, it remains a concern however that there is still no requirement for the provision of sprinklers to be installed in all new specialised and supported housing. \nThe incident  \n\n9 October 2025 at 12:00 Fire crews were mobilised to reports of a fire\nOn arrival the incident commander established that.\n\n\nThe premises sprinkler system had activated within a self-contained flat on the second floor of the building.\n1x resident self- evacuated from the flat prior to the arrival of GMFRS\n\n\nAnother resident was escorted to safety from a separate flat.\nUpon entering the flat\, firefighters located a chip pan fire in the kitchen.\nThe incident was effectively controlled by the activation of a single horizontal sidewall sprinkler head\, which extinguished the fire and confined it to the room of origin.\nThe fire is reported to have been extinguished at 12:11.\nThe dwelling sprinkler isolation valve located within the common ways above the flat front door was isolated by firefighters following confirmation from the IC the fire was extinguished.\nThe presence of a comprehensive emergency plan enabled the attending sprinkler contractor to restore the building’s sprinkler system within the same afternoon following the fire.\nNo injuries were reported.\nMinor water egress was reported to the flat located below the fire requiring the electrics to be isolated.\n\nSystem\, designed and installed to BS9251:2021 \n\nCategory 3\nCoverage\, individual flats\, communal areas\nDedicated sprinkler pump\, full capacity tank\nFloor\, individual flat isolation valves monitored/flow switch\n\nConclusion \nThis incident reinforces. \n\nWhy\, Government should follow the lead of Scotland and Wales requiring the installation of sprinklers in all new specialised housing buildings irrespective of building height. If it was not for the decision by the housing association to ³retrofit a sprinkler system the outcome of this incident could have been so different.\nAWSS play a key role in fire safety by helping minimise fire risks to people\, property\, firefighters\, and the environment as part of a comprehensive safety plan.\n\nEffective advocacy and policy lobbying require the collection of robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that may contribute to this initiative\, please provide the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk. \nCredit to GMFRS and Firetech Design Ltd for submitting this incident report to Sprinkler Saves UK\, it makes a difference. \nReferences\, Sources \n¹Research and analysis: – An in-depth review of fire related fatalities and severe casualties in England 2010/11 to 2018/19. \n² the installation of a life safety sprinkler system is intended to reduce heat and smoke\, thereby providing occupants with additional time to safely evacuate or be rescued. However\, the presence of a sprinkler system does not eliminate the necessity for other practical fire precautions\, particularly for individuals who are at above-average risk or who may be unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \n³Optimal Economics Report\, commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. The reports found that: \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Autumn Update Newsletter\nGMFRS Benefits of sprinklers\n\n     \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/manchester-specialised-housing-complex-sprinkler-save/
LOCATION:Greater Manchester
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251007
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251008
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251031T084419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T084448Z
UID:10000536-1759795200-1759881599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bradford Converted Mill Residential Flat Sprinkler Save
DESCRIPTION:West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson stated. \n“West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service strongly support the use of sprinkler systems as a proven lifesaving and property-protecting measure. Sprinklers activate automatically in response to heat\, suppressing fires before they can spread\, which not only protects occupants and firefighters but also limits damage to buildings and their contents.” \nSummary \nThe effectiveness of installing a life safety residential sprinkler system in a former Grade-11 listed mill\, now modern apartments\, was demonstrated when a kitchen fire was quickly extinguished and contained to a single room by one activated sprinkler head\, with no injuries reported. This incident provides further support for the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems\, as also highlighted in a report conducted by Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chief’s Council and National Fire Sprinkler Network\, which examined the performance\, reliability\, and success of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nRevealed that across all building types \n\nSprinklers are 99% in extinguishing or controlling a fire\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate\n\nThe incident \n\n8 October 2025 at 14:02\, Fire crews were mobilised to reports of a fire\nOn arrival the incident commander established that.\n\n\nThe premises sprinkler system had activated within a self-contained apartment\n4x residents self- evacuated the premises\n\n\nUpon entering the apartment\, firefighters located that a fire in the kitchen involving cooking oils had been effectively controlled and extinguished by the activation of 1 sprinkler head.\nFire damage contained to the room of origin.\nNo injuries were reported.\n\nConclusion \nThis incident reinforces. \n\nThe benefits of AWSS protecting historic buildings where the historic fabric or contents may be irreplaceable as part of a package of fire safety measures.\nAWSS play a key role in fire safety by helping minimise fire risks to people\, property\, firefighters\, and the environment as part of a comprehensive safety plan.\nThat a correctly\, designed\, installed AWSS\, in line with applicable codes and standards\, can reduce the rate of heat and smoke production\, providing more time for occupants to leave safely.\nPrevented a potentially extended incident that could have required considerable resources from WYFRS\, impacting routine operations.\n\nReferences \n\nOptimal Economics Report\, commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires.\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves autumn update 2025\nWest Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service\n\n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/bradford-converted-mill-residential-flat-sprinkler-save/
LOCATION:Bradford
CATEGORIES:Residential
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/concealed-sprinkler-head.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251001T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251031T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251202T181403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T114424Z
UID:10000542-1759305600-1761930000@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Dudley Residential Care Home loft Sprinkler Save
DESCRIPTION:West Midlands Fire Service\, (WMFRS) Mark Serdetschniy said: \n“If it was not for the sprinkler system suppressing the fire before the arrival of the fire service\, the outcome of this fire could have been so different\, the sprinkler system absolutely saved lives and the building.” \nThe Incident \nAt 03:47\, WMFRS responded to a fire on the first floor of a residential care home. The incident originated with the bathroom ceiling extractor fan\, resulting in limited fire spread within the roof void above. Activation of a single sprinkler head in the room of origin effectively reducing the products of combustion\, thereby restricting fire growth and allowing WMFS sufficient time to extinguish the fire using firefighting media. No injuries were reported. \nResidential care premises  \nPresent a series of unique challenges with respect to fire safety. The needs of the occupants and the resources required to undertake an evacuation in these types of premises require careful consideration both in the design and ongoing operation of such buildings\, to ensure that an appropriate level of fire safety is provided. \nThe diminished senses that result from the ageing process may ultimately result in the occupants having a slower reaction time to raise an alarm\, and due to the residents’ reduced physical capabilities\, a slower response time to an alarm\, which may result in an increased evacuation time. \nAll the above- mentioned factors combine to increase the risk of injury or fatality in a fire\, especially where assistance from staff may be restricted at night where residents require assistance\, it is likely that the evacuation process will take longer\, and sprinklers provide significant benefits to address this risk. \nBenefits of reporting sprinkler activations \nWorking with the National Fire Chiefs Council\, the National Fire Sprinkler Network\, and our Automatic Water Suppression System (AWSS) colleagues we gather evidence of these incidents as a valuable tool highlighting the benefits of AWSS providing vital evidence of the reliability and effectiveness of AWSS adding further weight to the report conducted by 1Optimal economics into the performance\, reliability and effectiveness of AWSS. \nProviding further evidence supporting our long-standing campaign to increase the presence of sprinklers within the built environment by highlighting real life tangible examples of where AWSS were present and had an impact. As such\, each of these stories provide powerful evidence of the ability of AWSS protecting our communities from fire. \nThe outcome of which will influence policymakers to implement change\, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association\, welcomed the government announcement that as of March 2025\, Sprinklers are now required in all new care homes regardless of height within England\, which we have been constantly calling for within the fire sector\, however we agree with the 2NFCC that it remains a concern there is no requirement to cover homes undergoing extension or major and significant refurbishment. \nConclusion \nThis incident reinforces. \n\nThe sprinkler system maintained the care homes continuity of providing care to their residents with minimal disruption\, valuable community asset saved.\nThe installation of sprinklers reduces the likelihood of a fire spreading beyond the room of origin\, providing valuable time for evacuation and firefighting reducing the need for decanting the vulnerable residents\nAWSS play a key role in fire safety by helping minimise fire risks to people\, property\, firefighters\, and the environment as part of a comprehensive safety plan.\n\nEffective advocacy and policy lobbying require the collection of robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that may contribute to this initiative\, please provide the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk. \nCredit to WMFS for submitting this incident report to Sprinkler Saves UK\, it makes a difference. \nReferences\, Sources \n\n1Optimal Economics Report\, commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\n2NFCC AWSS policy statement\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Autum update 2025\nWMFRS Sprinklers\nNFSN Winter newsletter\n\n       
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/dudley-residential-care-home-loft-sprinkler-save/
LOCATION:Dudley
CATEGORIES:Commercial
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250906
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250907
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251010T120808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T072415Z
UID:10000533-1757116800-1757203199@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bristol kitchen high rise residential building sprinkler activation
DESCRIPTION: Richard Bobruk\, Business Fire Safety Officer\, Avon Fire & Rescue Service: \n“Automatic fire sprinkler systems are a proven life safety measure. According to a report commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs’ Council\, the systems are: \n\n99% effective in controlling or extinguishing fires in buildings where they are fitted.\n94% reliable in terms of correct operation during an incident.\n\nBeyond fire suppression\, sprinklers reduce the production of toxic smoke and limit property damage\, easing the burden on emergency services and reducing long-term recovery costs.” \n Summary \nThe benefits of retrofitting a life safety sprinkler system in a tall residential block of flats was demonstrated following a flat kitchen fire which was quickly contained\, controlled following the activation of 1 sidewall sprinkler head. No injuries were reported. \nFurther evidence supporting our ongoing campaign in collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, National Fire Sprinkler Network\, and Business Sprinkler Alliance. This initiative aims to highlight the benefits of Automatic Water Suppression Systems (AWSS) and advocate for their increased implementation throughout the built environment. \nOne work stream providing authoritative information to local members of parliament (MP) regarding incidents within their constituencies where sprinklers were present\, having an impact. The aim is to inform MP on the benefits of AWSS to encourage support for them to influence government for change increasing the presence of sprinklers within the built environment. \nIt is proven Sprinklers save lives\, protect firefighters\, if it was not for the decision taken by Bristol City Council to undertake a program to install sprinkler in all its 62 tower blocks to provide a further layer of safety for its residents from fire\, the outcome of this incident could have been so much different. \nDemonstrating that a correctly designed\, installed\, and maintained residential sprinkler system\, in line with applicable codes and standards\, can reduce the rate of heat and smoke production\, providing more time for occupants to leave safely. \nThe Incident  \n\n13:06pm\, Firefighters were mobilised to a fire incident within a high-rise\, purpose-built residential block of flats.\nUpon completing a dynamic risk assessment\, the incident commander determined that the fire was limited to a single flat located on the 8th floor of the 10-storey building.\nFirefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus entered the premises and confirmed that the fire\, originating from a frying pan left on the kitchen cooker\, had been contained\, controlled by the activation of a sidewall sprinkler head.\nThe remaining fire was fully extinguished using appropriate firefighting media. No injuries were reported.\nFire damage was sustained to the item first ignited with light smoke staining located on the wall\, ceiling above the cooker hob.\nThe fire was confirmed as extinguished at 13:06 allowing operational crews to be released\, to attend other emergency incidents.\n\nSprinkler System \nDesign of the sprinkler system\, installed to BS 9251 in accordance with the guidance contained in ADB Volume 2 Appendix E. \nBusiness Recovery plan  \n\nFirefighters are increasingly likely to respond to incidents in buildings equipped with sprinkler systems\, it is therefore critical for building managers and duty holders to integrate an effective business recovery plan into the premises’ emergency protocols.\nThe benefit of which will allow the fire service to efficiently manage water following sprinkler system activation during a fire or in the rare event of accidental discharge\, thereby mitigating potential disruptions to business operations or occupancy.\nThis should include comprehensive\, clear and accessible onsite information to facilitate fire service engagement allowing the sprinkler system to be isolated following confirmation to the incident commander the fire is all out.\n\nFurther guidance can be found in the BAFSA Information file\, Sprinkler protected Buildings: A guide for responsible persons and duty holders \nConclusion  \nThis incident provides further evidence that the main functional objectives of a sprinkler system were achieved. \n\nReduce the rate of production of heat and smoke limiting fire growth and ultimately containing and controlling and\, in some cases\, extinguish the fire.\nPrevented a potentially extended incident that could have required considerable resources from AFRS\, impacting routine operations.\nLimited the development of the fire\, facilitating search and rescue efforts by firefighters and reducing risk to personnel.\n\nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/25\, This review showcases just how essential AWSS\, including sprinklers and watermist systems\, are in safeguarding our communities from the devastating effects of fire\nSprinkler Saves Summer Update No 8\nAvon Fire and Rescue Service Press release Life-saving sprinkler systems praised following recent incidents\nBAFSA Information file\, Sprinkler protected Buildings: A guide for responsible persons and duty holders\n\n       
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/bristol-kitchen-high-rise-residential-building-sprinkler-activation/
LOCATION:Bristol
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250813
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250814
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251114T044210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T181439Z
UID:10000538-1755043200-1755129599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Water Mist Activation Saves Scotland Social Housing Property
DESCRIPTION:Credit Image iMistTM\nSummary \nThis report details a fire which occurred on the first floor of a domestic dwelling\, involving a children’s bedroom involving faulty fuel supplies\, electricity which ignited mattress and bedding. The fire was contained\, extinguished by the activation of the building’s water mist system. There were no reported injuries\, the residents successfully self-evacuated prior to the arrival of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) \nIn collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council\, the National Fire Sprinkler Network\, and our Automatic Water Suppression System (AWSS) colleagues\, Sprinkler Saves UK (The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association) collects evidence of such incidents. Supporting our campaign to increase the presence of AWSS within the built environment by highlighting real life\, tangible examples of where AWSS were present and had an impact. As such\, each of these stories provides powerful evidence of the ability of AWSS protecting our communities from fire. \nThe outcome of which will provide evidence of the benefits of AWSS\, influencing policymakers to implement change\, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association\, welcomed the government announcement that as of November 2020\, sprinklers are now required in all new residential buildings above 11m in height\, it remains a concern however that England’s national building and fire safety regulations trail behind its neighbours\, governments in other UK jurisdictions for the installation of AWSS. \nIf it was not for this decision taken by the Scottish Government to initiate legislation to require for all new build social homes\, flats and shared multi-occupied residential buildings to be fitted with AWSS from March 2021. the outcome of this incident could have been so different. \n1Stuart Stevens\, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer\, said: \n“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service welcomes the amended regulations and the increased provision of automatic fire suppression systems. This provision is a significant step forward in fire safety and will increase the safety of our communities\, residents and firefighters. \nThe Incident  \n\nOn 13 August 2025 at 09:13\, three fire engines were dispatched to a reported fire.\nUpon arrival\, the incident commander (IC) identified a fire in a bedroom on the first floor of a social housing property consisting of a ground and first floor.\nFollowing the completion of a dynamic risk assessment by the IC.\nFirefighters wearing breathing apparatus were committed with firefighting media.\nUpon entry to the bedroom\, it was established that the fire had been contained\, extinguished by the operation of a BS8458 automatic water mist fire suppression system and confined to the room of origin following the activation of a single nozzle.\nArea of premises affected by fire 16m2\nThe occupants evacuated the dwelling independently prior to the arrival of the SFRS and no injuries were reported.\nThe system was installed and manufactured by iMistTM\n\n       \nCredit Image iMistT \nConclusion \nThis incident reinforces the benefits of AWSS\, in this case water mist which can be used as a form of suppression in buildings where there is an appropriate test protocol in accordance with the relevant standard. Playing a significant role as part of a package of fire safety measures\, reducing the impact of fire on people\, firefighters\, property and the environment. \nSprinkler Saves UK promotes the reporting of all types of fire suppression systems. It is noteworthy to learn about the effective activation of a water mist system which successfully achieved its intended functional objectives. \n\nReducing the rate of production of heat and smoke limiting fire growth and ultimately extinguishing the fire.\nLimited the development of the fire to the room of origin\, providing valuable time for the occupants to self-evacuate from the building to a place of safety before the arrival of SFRS.\n\nHad the Scottish Government not enacted legislation mandating the installation of AWSS in all new social homes\, flats\, and shared multi-occupied residential buildings from March 2021\, the outcome of this incident might have been markedly different. \nBAFSA has published a guide which provides detailed information on the types of water mist systems available\, how they can be used and how to choose the most appropriate one for the selected application.  Click here to download the guide Water Mist Technical Guide. \nEffective advocacy and policy lobbying require the collection of robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that may contribute to this initiative\, please provide the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk. \nReferences\, Sources \n\n1Scottish Government News\, Improved fire safety for new flats and social homes.\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Winter Update\niMistTM System Extinguished Childs Bedroom Fire\, Keeping Family Safe\nScottish Fire Rescue Service\, Fire Sprinkler Systems\nNational Fire Chiefs Council AWSS Position Statement\nWater Mist Technical Guide\n\n       \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/water-mist-activation-saves-scotland-social-housing-property/
LOCATION:Scotland
CATEGORIES:Domestic
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250812
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250813
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250815T161140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250815T162413Z
UID:10000528-1754956800-1755043199@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sprinklers extinguish fire in Southampton scissor design residential block
DESCRIPTION:Incident Commander Mark Caplen said \n\n\n“The sprinklers in the flats operated exactly as intended\, containing the fire to a single room and preventing it from becoming a far more serious incident. The occupier was already safely outside when we arrived\, while other residents followed the building’s ‘stay put’ policy and guidance from our Control team. The building performed exactly as designed during the fire. This incident highlights the importance of having robust fire safety measures in place.” \nSummary \nOn 12 August 2025\, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (HIWFRS) responded to a fire incident in a Southampton purpose-built ¹scissor block residential flat. The retrofitted residential sprinkler system was activated\, effectively containing\, controlling\, and extinguishing a fire involving textiles that had been accidentally left on a cooking hob. There were no reported injuries. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by ²Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nRevealed that across all premises types: – \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nSouthampton City Council demonstrated its commitment to fire safety by agreeing\, in June 2017\, to fund the retrofitting of residential sprinklers within its twenty high-rise buildings as part of a phased programme\, in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. This initiative was undertaken in close collaboration with HIWFRS. \nPriority will be given first to the blocks known as scissor blocks\, followed by the tallest blocks featuring single staircases\, with the remainder prioritised according to height. Such a commitment is essential; without it\, the outcomes of similar incidents could be significantly different. \nBAFSA welcomed the government’s November 2020 decision to lower the height threshold for mandatory sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential blocks of flats) from 30 metres to 11 metres. Nevertheless\, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers. \nIn alignment with the 4National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement\, The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association advocate for government action to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings. Retrofitting should apply to all existing residential buildings over 18 metres in height\, or those with at least seven storeys served by a single staircase\, as well as all existing residential buildings exceeding 11 metres\, based on risk assessments. \n¹ scissor block residential flats\, consist of interlocking designs consisting of up flats and down flats. served at alternate floors by a common corridor\, which are difficult to understand when performing firefighting duties. \nThe incident  \n\nFire crews responded to a reported fire in a residential tall building.\nFollowing the completion of a dynamic risk assessment by the incident commander\, (IC)\nIt was established that the premises sprinkler system had operated on the 3rd floor of the 15-storey building within a flat.\nThe activation of the sprinkler system allowed extra time for the IC to implement a robust high rise tactical plan for the incident.\nFirefighting crews wearing breathing apparatus were committed\, establishing that the fire within the kitchen had been contained\, controlled and extinguished by the activation of 1 sprinkler head.\nFirefighting media was applied for turning over and dampening down remaining hot spots.\nFire damage was sustained to the item first ignited on the cooking hob with smoke damage reported throughout the flat.\nThe resident self-evacuated the dwelling prior to the arrival of HIWFRS with no injuries reported\, two cats were rescued.\nCause of the fire\,  textiles accidentally left on a cooking hob.\nThe common ways were not compromised by fire\, smoke.\nPreplanning using up to date risk information (72d) gathered by operational crews allowed the  sprinkler system to be isolated\, following confirmation the fire had been extinguished.\n\nConclusion \nThis incident underscores the benefits of installing residential sprinkler systems in high-rise tall buildings. In this instance\, the systems \n\nProvided support to firefighters operating within a complex building featuring a scissor block design by effectively containing fire spread\, extinguishing the fire playing a key role in mitigating risks for firefighting personnel.\nProvided valuable time for the occupier to self-evacuate from the dwelling to a place of safety\nPrevented conflagration\nIdentified the importance of active fire protection systems minimising fire-related risks.\n\nFurthermore\, this incident illustrates that AWSS are integral to a thorough fire safety strategy\, protecting lives\, property\, and the environment. It also strengthens ongoing advocacy efforts by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and stakeholders within the fire sector for more rigorous government regulations regarding the retrofitting of sprinklers in existing buildings. \nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Summer Update No 8\n² Optimal economics report Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk: An analysis from fire service data.\n³Southampton city council\, overview and scrutiny management committee 9 November 2017\n4National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement\nHampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service incident of interest\n\n\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n\n           \n\n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/sprinklers-extinguish-fire-in-southampton-tall-building/
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250801T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250831T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250925T191040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251011T150424Z
UID:10000532-1754006400-1756684740@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sprinkler Save London Underground Station
DESCRIPTION:Summary \n\nLondon Fire Brigade (LFB) reported  a sub-surface fire involving an electrical motor in a London Underground escalator plant room.\nAfter conducting a dynamic risk assessment\, the incident commander determined that the escalator water suppression system (EWSS) had been activated within one of the station escalator chambers. \nFirefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the area and confirmed that the fire had been controlled and contained due to the activation of the EWSS.\nThe remaining fire was extinguished by firefighters using appropriate firefighting media. No injuries occurred. \nThe investigation found that the fire resulted from a heated motor brake drum igniting accumulated debris. \nThe station was reopened shortly after the incident was resolved.\n\nEscalator Water Suppression System  \nA bespoke¹ fire suppression system\, specifically engineered for the London Underground\, designed to safeguard escalators within sub-surface stations from fire. This solution provides full coverage along the entire incline\, including upper and lower tread areas\, machinery\, dust trays\, and the open spaces surrounding the sides of the escalators. \nEach system comprises of range pipes divided into fire zones\, (dry pipe system) terminating in open sprinkler heads\, the heads are directed into the escalator machinery to suppress the risk. \nEach zone is controlled by a multiple Jet Control valve\, which incorporates glass bulb type mechanical detection device and an electrically operated detonator fuse. Distribution pipes connect the system to a suitable water supply usually ²town’s main system. \nIn the system standby condition\, water is stopped from entering the range pipework by the multiple jet control valves. (MJC) \nAn MJC will only allow water to flow\, into the zone that it controls\, when it is either; triggered by an independent automatic fire detection system or subjected to sufficient heat to operate the mechanical detection glass bulb. \nThe fire detection system is managed by a dedicated fire panel monitoring a linear heat cable positioned in the escalator truss work. Should a fire affect a fire zone an adjacent zone of the EWSS will operate. The hydraulic calculations were based on supplying two zones simultaneously. \nKings Cross Underground Escalator Fire \n37 years ago\, a fire at Kings Cross underground station claimed the lives of 31 people which also started in an escalator. It is reported that a lit match fell through a gap on a wooden escalator and set fire to the grease and litter beneath the steps. \nA subsequent investigation revealed a lethal combination of flashover\, a rapid air-borne fire spread due to intense heat\, and the trench effect\, a newly identified phenomenon on steep surfaces\, as the reasons behind the disaster. \nFollowing a public enquiry by Sir Desmond Fennell published in December 1988\, 157 recommendations were made which included banning smoking to all station areas\, replacing of wooden escalators. \nMajor stations underwent comprehensive fire safety upgrades\, including the gradual replacement of ³275 wooden escalators with metal ones\, installation of heat detectors and escalator water suppression systems beneath escalators\, accompanied by enhancements in radio communication and staff emergency training for the London Underground. \nConclusion \nThis incident provides further evidence on the benefits of fitting automatic water suppression systems in London underground sub stations\, providing a further layer of safety from fire for passengers\, staff and firefighters as part of a package of fire safety measures through early detection and suppression minimising disruption from fire. \n\n¹There is no British or European Standard which deals directly with EWSS\n²EWSS are required to be a secure supply conforming to the requirements of BS5306 and BSEN12845 for duplicate or superior single water supplies\n³Uk Parliament\, London underground: Escalator maintenance debate July 1989\n\nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Summer Update No 8\nLFB\, The kings Cross fire\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n   
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/sprinkler-save-london-victoria-underground-station/
LOCATION:Greater London
CATEGORIES:Commercial
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250802
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250813T093547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T093547Z
UID:10000526-1754006400-1754092799@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Staffordshire warehouse saved by sprinklers
DESCRIPTION:Head of Prevent\, Protect and Partnerships\, Ian Read\, said: “At Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service\, we champion the use of automatic sprinklers. As shown in the incident at a warehouse on 1 August \, the fire was contained and extinguished by the installed water suppression system\, which are an invaluable resource for our crews. “We would encourage all businesses to consider the equipment they have installed to help reduce risk should the worst happen.” \nSummary \nStaffordshire Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) reported a fire within a single-story warehouse which was contained\, controlled and extinguished through the activation of the automatic water suppression system\, (AWSS) on this occasion  a sprinkler system. \nA sprinkler save (activation) is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This review further substantiates the role and advantages of sprinkler systems within the built environment. \nFor this incident\, the operation of the AWSS\, inside the facility led to the following outcomes: \n\nReduce the rate of production of heat and smoke limiting fire growth and ultimately containing and controlling and extinguished the fire.\nPrevented a potentially extended incident that could have required considerable resources from SFRS and impacted routine operations.\nLimited the development of the fire\, facilitating search and rescue efforts by firefighters and reducing risk to personnel.\nAverted the complete loss of the building due to fire.\n\nThis incident provides additional evidence supporting the reliability and effectiveness of AWSS\, aligning with findings from the report conducted by ¹Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council and National Fire Sprinkler Network on the performance of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires \nThe incident \n\nAugust 2025\, SFRS despatched 3 pumping appliances to a warehouse fire on an industrial estate.\nUpon arrival the incident commander established that the fire was located on the ground floor of the single storey warehouse involving an industrial forklift.\nThe fire was contained and controlled through the combined action of four activated sprinkler heads and the presence of ²firewalls within the premises.\nFirefighters equipped with breathing apparatus confirmed the extinguishment of a fire involving a forklift lead-acid battery\, attributed to the sprinkler system’s activation.\nThe affected area damaged by fire covered approximately 25m².\nFire damage to the lead-acid battery and subsequent exposure to sprinkler water initiated an exothermic reaction with the sulphuric acid\, while recorded temperatures did not exceed 80°C\n\nConclusion \n\nThe incident highlights the critical importance of active fire protection systems\, notably AWSS\, demonstrating their effectiveness when integrated with passive measures such as firewalls. Together\, these elements constitute a robust framework aimed at minimising fire-related risks to people\, property\, and the environment.\nAn event with the potential for significant escalation was resolved swiftly\, resulting in only minor disruption due to the effective operation of the sprinkler system.\nIncorporating sprinkler systems can safeguard assets\, minimise financial loss\, and bolster business resilience by controlling or extinguishing fires prior to the arrival of emergency services\, allowing for rapid resumption of normal operations and mitigating economic and social impacts.\n\nFor context\, in August 2021\, a non-sprinklered warehouse fire in Coventry reported by the Business Sprinkler Alliance required ten fire appliances and seventy firefighters to suppress the blaze\, which ultimately destroyed the Ram Enterprise building at Prologis Park. The structure was demolished four days after the incident. \nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/25\nSprinkler Saves Spring Update No 8\n¹Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service Data\nBusiness Sprinkler Alliance\, case study Coventry warehouse fire\n²Firewalls\, is a fire‐resistant structure which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow the collapse of the existing construction on either side of the wall to occur without allowing the collapse of the wall.\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n          \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/staffordshire-warehouse-saved-by-sprinklers/
LOCATION:Staffordshire
CATEGORIES:Commercial
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250717
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250718
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250913T212022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T191151Z
UID:10000530-1752710400-1752796799@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Flat Fire Sprinkler Save
DESCRIPTION:Summary \n17 July 2025\, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) reported a fire in a purpose-built residential block of flats. The retrofitted life safety residential sprinkler system was activated and successfully extinguished a fire involving upholstered furniture. No injuries were reported. \nA sprinkler save is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy for a building. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by ¹Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nRevealed that across all premises types: – \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nThe 4Guinness Partnership\, one of England’s largest providers of affordable housing\, has demonstrated its commitment to enhanced fire safety by pledging to retrofit residential sprinklers in all buildings exceeding 18 metres in height\, following the Grenfell tragedy. Such a commitment is vital; without it\, the outcomes of similar incidents within their property portfolio could be significantly different. \nThe British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) welcomed the government’s decision on November 2020 to lower the height threshold for mandatory sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential blocks of flats) from 30 metres to 11 metres. Nevertheless\, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers. In alignment with the 2NFCC AWSS position statement\, we advocate for government action to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings. Retrofitting should apply to all existing residential buildings over 18 metres in height\, or those with at least seven storeys served by a single staircase\, as well as all existing residential buildings exceeding 11 metres\, based on risk assessments. \nThe incident  \n\nFire crews responded to a reported fire within a 15-storey building.\nFollowing the completion of a dynamic risk assessment by the incident commander.\nIt was established that the fire involved a flat on the eleventh floor.\nFirefighters were committed to extinguish the fire who established upon entry that the fire had been contained\, controlled and extinguished within the room of origin by the activation of 1 sprinkler head.\nUp to 5sqm fire damage was reported for within the room of origin.\nThe cause of the fire\, careless disposal of smoking materials.\nNo injuries were reported.\n\nThe benefits sprinklers \nFor this reported fire\, the benefits of retrofitting a residential sprinkler system within the dwellings of a single staircase purpose-built block of flats of 15 storeys. The outcome of which \n\nRestricted the fire’s growth\, containing and controlling the fire to the room of origin.\nExtinguished the fire before the arrival of GMFRS\nPreventing a potential major protracted incident that could challenge FRS maintaining a business-as-usual routine service.\n\nConclusion \nThis incident provides further evidence on the benefits of retrofitting a life safety residential sprinkler system in high rise residential buildings supporting the calls from the NFCC and the fire sector urging government to introduce further regulations for the installation of retrofitting sprinklers in the built environment. \nWhen comparing this incident to a similar 3high-rise building fire in Salford in December 2022\, where sprinklers were not installed\, the outcomes were markedly different. The GMFRS press release regarding the Salford incident highlights the significant impact that the absence of a life safety residential sprinkler system can have on the building\, residents. \nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Summer Update No 8\n¹Optimal economics report Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk: An analysis from fire service data\n²NFCC Sprinkler position statement\n3Salford high rise building fire December 2022 (GMFRS press release)\n4Inside housing\, The Guiness partnership revels progress on sprinkler retrofits\nGMFRS Benefits of sprinklers\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n     
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/manchester-flat-fire-sprinklers-save/
LOCATION:Greater Manchester
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250711
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250712
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250722T085131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T085206Z
UID:10000523-1752192000-1752278399@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:London studio flat sprinkler save
DESCRIPTION:   Image credit Nationwide sprinklers\nSummary  \nThis is the ¹second reported activation of the sprinkler system within 19 months at a former six-storey office block converted to provide 62 one roomed studio flats. In both Instances the fire was contained\, controlled or extinguished by the sprinkler system. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have operated to contain\, control\, or extinguish a building fire. These incidents provides evidence of the effectiveness of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nIn this particular incident\, the presence of a residential sprinkler system in a tall residential building. Resulted in the following outcomes. \n\nThe fire’s growth was limited and extinguished in the room of origin\nPreventing a potential major protracted incident that could strain the operational resilience of the LFB resources and challenge maintaining routine services.\n\nThe provision of a sprinkler system does not eliminate the need for other fire safety measures\, especially for individuals at higher-than-average risk from fire and those unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \nThe Incident  \nOn 11 July 2025\, a fire involving a charging laptop inside a studio flat was extinguished after one sprinkler head was activated. Damage was confined to the item first ignited and light smoke damage occurred within the dwelling. No injuries were reported. \nSprinkler System  \nThis incident demonstrates that a correctly designed\, installed\, and maintained residential sprinkler system\, in line with applicable codes and standards\, can reduce the rate of heat and smoke production\, providing more time for occupants to leave safely or be assisted. \n\nBS93251:14\, Category 2 system\nWater supply Tank/Pump\, 30-minute duration\nSprinkler isolation valves for each floor\n\nConclusion \nThe outcome of this incident could have been so much different if sprinklers had not been fitted. Providing further evidence on the benefits of sprinklers supporting calls from the ²National Fire Chiefs Council and the fire sector urging the government to introduce further regulations for the installation of sprinklers in the built environment. \nWe acknowledge the recent government proposals requiring sprinklers to be installed \n\nIn all new care homes.\nReducing the threshold height for high rise residential sprinklers to 11m from 30m\n\nBut we are concerned there is still no requirement to install sprinklers in all \n\nHomes where vulnerable people live.\nBuildings housing vulnerable residents such sheltered accommodation\, hostels\n\nSources/further reading.  \n\n¹Previous incident December 2023\, fire involving combustibles inside a studio flat was contained\, controlled by the activation of 1 sprinkler head in the room of origin before the arrival of LFB\, limiting spread to the room of origin.\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/25\nSprinkler Saves Spring Update No 8\n²NFCC Sprinkler Position Statement\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n  \n   
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/london-studio-flat-sprinkler-save/
LOCATION:Greater London
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250705
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251209T052450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T141149Z
UID:10000543-1751587200-1751673599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham student cluster flat kitchen fire
DESCRIPTION:Mark Serdetschniy\, West Midlands Fire Service\, said: \n“The sprinkler system played a crucial role in preventing the fire from becoming far more serious. By slowing the spread of flames\, it gave firefighters enough time to put out the blaze swiftly\, resulting in no injuries.” \nSummary  \nAt 20:00 on Wednesday\, 4 July 2025\, West Midlands Fire Service responded to a kitchen fire within a communal cluster flat located on the 12th floor of a 15-storey student accommodation building. The building’s sprinkler system was activated\, effectively containing and controlling the fire\, which originated from unattended cooking. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using CO₂ extinguishers. Fire damage was minimal; however\, water egress affected floors below the scene of the fire. No injuries were reported. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nRaising awareness of how the destructive effects of fire can be mitigated\, and in most cases\, be prevented through the enhanced use of sprinklers\, and other forms of Automatic Water Suppresion (AWSS) Which save lives\, protect firefighters\, homes and businesses as part of an appropriate package of fire safety measures. \nEmbracing the call from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) who actively encourage fire services to collate\, promote case studies to Sprinkler Saves UK to promote the effectiveness of sprinklers in operating and controlling and in some cases extinguishing the fire. \nThe outcome of which will continue to promote a better understanding of the benefits of AFSS in the wider community\, fire safety sector in general as an effective and reliable fire protection measure as part of a package of fire safety measures protecting life and property from fire. \nProviding further evidence as part of our campaign driving change so AWSS are understood and accepted as the norm and not the exception\, the outcome of which will. \n\nInfluence policy makers to strengthen AWSS requirements\, England’s sprinkler fire safety regulations trail behind its neighbours in other jurisdictions where governments have set lower mandatory thresholds for the installation of sprinklers.\nEntice housing provider stakeholders and\, others to install sprinklers as part of a package of fire safety measures providing a further layer of protection from fire for our communities.\n\nStudent accommodation \nStudent accommodation Is undoubtedly a challenging environment from a fire safety perspective with their own individual challenges. The student’s lifestyle is typically associated with a reduced level of caution when it comes to appreciating risk. \nThe dangers of student accommodation were demonstrated following the fire in Bolton involving the premises known as the ‘Cube’ on 15 November 2019. The Cube incident report completed by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service identifies\, the speed of which the fire took hold and the devastating impact it had on the building was shocking\, two residents were trapped by heat and smoke and required to be rescued by firefighters\, sprinklers were not fitted. \nLegislation \nRegulatory guidance for England includes a specific requirement to install sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential block of flats) with a top floor height of 11 metres above ground level this guidance does not apply to student halls of residence regardless of height. \nEngland’s national building and fire safety regulations trail behind its neighbours\, governments in other UK jurisdictions who have set lower mandatory thresholds for the installation of sprinklers in new purpose-built student accommodation. \nFollowing the introduction of new fire regulations within Northern Ireland\, fire sprinklers are now required in within student accommodation with a storey more than 11m above ground level which will came into effect on 6 May 2025 \nIt is the view of the BAFSA and the 1NFCC that sprinklers should be installed in all new student accommodation regardless of height\, as well as existing buildings undergoing refurbishment. The Government should be looking to emulate the policies in the devolved governments to support unitary policy across nations by lowering or removing the acceptable height\, floor area\, or occupancy threshold dependent on building type. \nConclusion \nThis incident highlights the value of residential sprinkler systems in student accommodation. In this case\, the system: \n\nProvided support to firefighters reducing fire growth.\nControlling the fire in its early stages\, reducing contribution to fire spread made by combustible construction materials.\nProvided valuable time for the occupiers to self-evacuate from the dwelling to a place of safety.\nPrevented conflagration.\nAllowed prompt incident resolution and earlier release of resources\, supporting continued emergency response\n\nThis incident illustrates that sprinklers are integral to a thorough fire safety strategy\, protecting lives\, firefighters\, property\, and the environment. It also strengthens ongoing advocacy efforts by the NFCC and stakeholders within the fire sector for more rigorous government regulations regarding the installation of AWSS in the built environment. \nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves winter update\n1National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement\nThe Cube Incident report and key observations\nNational Fire Sprinkler Network newsletter\n\nEffective advocacy and policy lobbying require the collection of robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that may contribute to this initiative\, please provide the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk. \n  \n       
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/birmingham-student-cluster-flat-kitchen-fire/
LOCATION:Birmingham
CATEGORIES:Residential
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250703
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250704
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250731T152730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T093621Z
UID:10000525-1751500800-1751587199@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Staffordshire factory saved by sprinklers
DESCRIPTION:Head of Prevent\, Protect and Partnerships\, Ian Read\, said: “At Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service\, we champion the use of automatic sprinklers. As shown in the incident at a factory on 3 July\, the fire was contained and extinguished by the installed water suppression system\, which are an invaluable resource for our crews. “We would encourage all businesses to consider the equipment they have installed to help reduce risk should the worst happen.” \nSummary  \nStaffordshire Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) reported that a fire within a factory and was contained\, controlled and extinguished by the installed automatic water suppression system. (Sprinklers) \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides additional data regarding the role and benefits of sprinklers as part of a broader fire safety approach. \nFor this incident\, the operation of the AWSS inside the factory led to the following outcomes. \n\nReduce the rate of production of heat and smoke limiting the fire’s growth\, containing and controlling and in this case extinguished the fire.\nThe response prevented a potentially prolonged incident that might have demanded significant resources from SFRS and affected routine operations.\nLimited fire development assisted firefighters in search and rescue efforts and reduced risk to those personnel.\nPreventing the total loss of the factory due to fire.\n\nThe Incident  \n\n3 July 2025\, SFRS despatched 3 fire appliances to a fire inside an open plan factory. Upon arrival the incident commander (IC) completed a dynamic risk assessment and determined that the fire involved a large industrial oven had been contained\, controlled and extinguished by the activation of three sprinkler heads.\nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of AWSS following the report conducted by ¹Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires.\n\nConclusion \n\nThe fire was attributed to an electrical fault related to a large industrial oven. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were committed who confirmed the fire had been extinguished by the sprinkler system\, proceeded to ventilate the building\, isolate the sprinkler system. Five individuals required hospital treatment for smoke inhalation.\nAs a result\, what could have developed into a significant incident was resolved quickly and was only a minor inconvenience due to the presence of the sprinkler system\, despite there being no regulatory requirement for such systems in factories.\n\nFor comparison\, an unsprinklered carpet warehouse fire in Kidderminster in December 2021\, reported by the Business Sprinkler Alliance resulted in a different outcome. The business experienced substantial disruption and now faces uncertainty. Containment\, control\, and extinguishment of that fire required substantial resources from Hereford Fire and Rescue Service\, causing extensive disruption to local businesses and schools due to road closures. \nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/25\nSprinkler Saves Spring Update No 8\nStaffordshire Fire & Rescue press release\nBusiness Sprinkler Alliance\, Lutterworth Warehouse saves by sprinklers\n¹Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service Data\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n                 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/staffordshire-factory-saved-by-sprinklers/
LOCATION:Staffordshire
CATEGORIES:Industrial
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/heic:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_2302.heic
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250701T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250831T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251011T150344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T083527Z
UID:10000534-1751356800-1756659600@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Greater Manchester Sprinkler Activations July-August 2025
DESCRIPTION:Introduction \nGreater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) provided primary fire data from the ¹incident recording system and additional sources for the specified period\, documenting cases where Automatic Water Suppression Systems (AWSS) were present\, having an impact within Greater Manchester. \n The review  \nThe incidents contained within this review provides additional evidence supporting the reliability and effectiveness of AWSS\, aligning with findings from the report conducted by ²Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council and National Fire Sprinkler Network on the performance of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \n5 incidents reported for July-August 2025 \nOf the five reported sprinkler incidents reported\, three were extinguished\, one was contained and controlled\, and the remaining incident was classified as “other.” In the latter case\, the system did not activate because only fumes were released. \n \nInformation was provided allowing a full review to be published for one of the 3 incidents involving purpose-built block of flats providing further evidence on the benefits of retrofitting a life safety residential sprinkler system in high rise residential buildings supporting the calls from the NFCC and the fire sector urging government to introduce further regulations for the installation of retrofitting sprinklers in the built environment. \nIf it was not for the foresight of the Guinness Partnership\, one of England’s largest providers of affordable housing to retrofit residential sprinklers in all buildings exceeding 18 metres in height\, following the Grenfell tragedy\, the outcome of this incident could have been significantly different. \nThe incident  \n\nFire crews responded to a reported fire within a 15-storey building.\nFollowing the completion of a dynamic risk assessment by the incident commander.\nIt was established that the fire involved a flat on the eleventh floor.\nFirefighters were committed to extinguish the fire who established upon entry that the fire had been contained\, controlled and extinguished within the room of origin by the activation of 1 sprinkler head.\nUp to 5sqm fire damage was reported for within the room of origin.\nThe cause of the fire\, careless disposal of smoking materials.\nNo injuries were reported.\n\nThe benefits sprinklers \nFor this reported fire\, the benefits of retrofitting a residential sprinkler system within the dwellings of a single staircase purpose-built block of flats. The outcome of which \n\nRestricted the fire’s growth\, containing and controlling the fire to the room of origin.\nExtinguished the fire before the arrival of GMFRS\nPreventing a potential major protracted incident that could challenge FRS maintaining a business-as-usual routine service.\n\nOf the remaining two residential tall building fires\, the fire was extinguished within the room of origin by the activation of 1 sprinkler head. \nConclusion \nThese incidents illustrate that AWSS are integral to a thorough fire safety strategy\, protecting lives\, property\, and the environment. It also strengthens ongoing advocacy efforts by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and stakeholders within the fire sector for more rigorous government regulations regarding the retrofitting of sprinklers in existing buildings. \nBAFSA welcomed the government’s November 2020 decision to lower the height threshold for mandatory sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential blocks of flats) from 30 metres to 11 metres. Nevertheless\, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers. \nIn alignment with the 4National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement\, The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association advocate for government action to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings. Retrofitting should apply to all existing residential buildings over 18 metres in height\, or those with at least seven storeys served by a single staircase\, as well as all existing residential buildings exceeding 11 metres\, based on risk assessments. \nSources/further reading.  \n\n¹Incident recording system\, after an emergency fire call\, key incident details are entered daily into the IRS by the officer in charge.)\n²Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service Data\n³Sprinkler Saves Review 2024/25\, This review showcases just how essential AWSS\, including sprinklers and watermist systems\, are in safeguarding our communities from the devastating effects of fire\n4National Fire Chiefs Council AWSS Position Statement \n\n  \n       
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/greater-manchester-sprinkler-activations-july-august-2025/
LOCATION:Greater Manchester
CATEGORIES:Residential
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250701
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250702
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250720T092620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250720T092620Z
UID:10000522-1751328000-1751414399@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Doncaster tall building kitchen fire extinguished by sprinklers
DESCRIPTION:Roger Brason\, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s sprinkler advocate: \n\n\n“We’ve championed the use of sprinklers\, particularly in high-rise buildings\, for quite some time\, so we’re delighted that all of the blocks in Doncaster now have them.” \n\n\n“These devices not only help protect life but help protect property too. In most cases\, they will extinguish a fire completely and prevent it from spreading any further. The fact that people living in high-rise buildings across Doncaster now have such a high level of fire protection really is excellent news.” \nOverview of the incident  \nThe decision by  St Ledger Homes of Doncaster working with both Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Fire Rescue (SYFR) to improve fire safety arrangements installing sprinklers within this residential block of flats should be applauded following an accidental chip pan fire which was extinguished by the activation of the retrofitted sprinkler system. \nIt is reported heat generated from the fire\, activated 1 sidewall sprinkler head within the kitchen\, raising the alarm by transmitting a fire signal to the remote alarm receiving centre allowing the appropriate emergency response.The operation of the sprinkler system restricted the growth of the fire\, extinguishing the fire before the arrival of SYFR.  Minor fire damage was sustained to the adjacent kitchen cupboards\, worktop\, 1 person required to be assisted from the dwelling by firefighters with no injuries reported. \nDebunking the myth that residential sprinklers as an extinguishing media should not be used on fires involving chip pans. \n¹Optimal economics report \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nThe reports found that: \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nThe provision of a sprinkler system does not neglect the need for other fire practical precautions or provisions where the person is at higher-than-average risk from fire\, unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \nLegislation  \nAt present there is no statutory legislation for the retrofitting of sprinklers with purpose-built block of flats\, this incident demonstrates the benefits of installing sprinklers within tall buildings\, demonstrating that a correctly designed and installed sprinkler system can detect\, raise the alarm and control or for this incident extinguish the fire at an early stage of development. In addition to providing attending crews with confidence when attending tall building fires which are sprinkler protected compared to other buildings which are not sprinkler protected. \nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Annual Review 2024/25\nSprinkler saves Spring Update No 8\n¹Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk\nFire Industry Association Article 2 January 2020\nBAFSA video chip pan demonstration\, click here to open chip pan fire\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n             
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/doncaster-tall-building-kitchen-fire-extinguished-by-sprinklers/
LOCATION:Doncaster
CATEGORIES:Residential
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250701
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20260114T141112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T065647Z
UID:10000544-1751328000-1767225599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sprinkler systems extinguish fires in extra-care living accommodation in Croydon and Abergavenny\, strengthening the argument for making them statutory.
DESCRIPTION:Background \nThe benefit of installing Automatic Water Suppression Systems (AWSS) protecting the most vulnerable residents of our communities was clearly demonstrated following reported dwelling kitchen fires by the London Fire Brigade and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service involving extra care living accommodation\, a form of specialised housing. \nFor both incidents the fire was contained\, controlled and extinguished by the operation of the building’s AWSS with no injuries reported. Demonstrating the effectiveness of AWSS in controlling fires at an early stage\, significantly reducing the risk to life\, limiting fire spread\, and minimising property damage\, preventing the fire from spreading further and enabled a swift\, safe resolution. \nSpecialised housing\, extra care housing schemes has seen demographic shifts\, with people living longer lives. This rise in life expectancy means more residents face mobility issues\, reduced sensory abilities\, and cognitive challenges\, which all heighten both the chances of fire and the risk to individuals during such emergencies. \nThe BAFSA welcomed the government’s announcement that\, starting in March 2025\, all newly built care homes must have sprinklers installed. However\, we are still concerned that this requirement does not extend to specialised housing\, where residents often face similar risks as those in care homes. Fire safety guidance is provided by the National Fire Chiefs Council for specialised housing\, advocating the use of AWSS\, but it’s not statutory. In England\, the regulations covering AWSS trail behind the rest of the UK\, In Scotland and Wales sprinklers are mandatory for new build specialised housing. \nThis concern was reiterated in the ¹Coroners report aimed at preventing future deaths\, which was sent to the then Rt Hon Michael Gove\, Secretary of State for Levelling Up\, Housing and Communities in March 2023. The report followed the investigation conducted by the coroner into the death of Mr Brian George Harefield aged 85\, who was overcome by smoke\, found unconscious in his flat\, and sadly lost his life. \nThe study\, analysis of ²national fire data\, an in-depth review of fire-related fatalities and severe casualties in England\, 2010/11 to 2018/19 referenced that while there is a lack of recent research on fatal fires\, the available studies consistently identified age\, the presence of an impairment such as physical disability\, smoking\, and alcohol use as key factors on the outcome of the fire\, as they will be less able to respond to a fire. \nThe report raised concerns regarding the lack of mandatory sprinkler systems and other fire-safety measures in extra care and retirement housing particularly for older people with reduced mobility. It acknowledges the government consultation undertaken about sprinklers in care homes\, but the scope of this consultation does not cover to specific risks to those in extra care facilities. \nIn the response from the Secretary of State for Levelling up\, Housing and Communities\, it was acknowledged more evidence is needed on the benefits of sprinklers and other fire protection measures in specialised housing such as extra care facilities. \nA research programme is underway to access whether sprinklers are more effective than alternatives such as improved fire detection alarms or compartmentation\, stage 1 of this research supported requiring sprinklers in all new care homes stage 2 will focus on specialised housing\, including extra care. \nThe findings for stage 2 of this 3research was published in December 2025. The study was considered inclusive\, reflecting a wide range of building types and the project’s complexity and scope. The report also made several recommendations for further research\, including a review of sprinkler system provisions in all types and heights of buildings\, especially within the specialised housing and care home sector \nThe incidents \n\nDecember 2025\, Abergavenny extra care living accommodation \n\nOn Thursday\, 18 December 2025\, crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at a residential retirement complex. On arrival\, it was confirmed that a small fire had occurred within the kitchen area of a flat. \nit was found that the fire had already been extinguished by the building’s automatic sprinkler system\, highlighting the benefits to the flat’s occupants\, other residents of the building\, and the responding emergency services. All residents were accounted for\, with no injuries reported \nSouth Wales Fire and Rescue Service\, Area Manager Mike Wyatt said; \n“This incident clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems in controlling fires at an early stage\, significantly reducing the risk to life\, limiting fire spread\, and minimising property damage. In this case\, the sprinkler system prevented the fire from spreading further and enabled a swift\, safe resolution.” \n“South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to support the use of sprinklers\, particularly in residential areas and specialised housing\, as proven measures to enhance fire safety and protect vulnerable occupants.” \n\nJuly 2025\, Croydon extra care\, extra care living accommodation\n\nMore than ten years after Croydon Council retrofitted sprinkler systems across its six extra-care housing complexes\, a kitchen fire occurred originating from a cooker. The fire was effectively contained and extinguished by the activation of a single sprinkler head\, eliminating the need for further firefighting\, no injuries were reported. \nIn September 2015\, the Fire Industry Association documented an earlier event at Truscott House one of Croydon’s extra-care housing complexes\, where a kitchen fire caused by a toaster was successfully extinguished by the sprinkler system. The activation of the sprinklers prevented the fire from reaching the resident’s bedroom while he was asleep\, thus ensuring his safety. The decision by Croydon Council to install sprinklers in all their extra-care housing facilities proved decisive in limiting the impact of these incident. \n \nConclusion                                                                    \nThese collection of incidents reinforces why the BAFSA\, The National Fire Sprinkler Network and the National Fire Chiefs Council has long advocated for the use of sprinklers in specialised housing and why\, Government should follow the lead of Scotland and Wales expanding sprinkler requirements to include specialised housing. \nProviding further supporting evidence to under pin BAFSA’s advocacy\, turning operational evidence into persuasive tools for policy and parliamentary engagement\, and reinforcing the case for wider sprinkler inclusion within national building policy. \nIn comparison the fire that burnt down the Beechmere extra-care retirement village in Crewe in August 2019 housing 132 apartments for some of our most vulnerable members of our communities\, is a reminder on the danger of fires for this sector. No lives were lost but over 150 residents lost their homes. \nSprinklers were not fitted as it was not a statutory requirement under the building regulations. \nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler saves review 2025/25\nSprinkler Saves winter review\nNFSN Newsletter\nFire Industry Association\, Care home fire sparks call for sprinkler systems\n¹Coroners report to prevent future deaths\n2An in-depth review of fire related fatalities and severe casualties in England\, 2010/11 to 2018/19\n3Research and analysis Fire Safety: Specialised housing and care homes\nNews on the block\, six years after Beechmere-The fire safety gap remains\, BSA Tom Roche BSA\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n           
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/sprinkler-systems-extinguish-fires-in-extra-care-living-accommodation-in-croydon-and-abergavenny-strengthening-the-argument-for-making-them-statutory/
CATEGORIES:Residential
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250630
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250701
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251028T081927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T044416Z
UID:10000535-1751241600-1751327999@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Dagenham Flat Kitchen Fire Sprinklers Save
DESCRIPTION:Summary \nTriangle Fire Systems Ltd reported an incident involving a fire in a residential block of flats. The life safety sprinkler system was activated and effectively extinguished a cooking-related fire within one of the dwellings. \nA sprinkler save is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy for a building. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by ¹Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nRevealed that across all premises types: – \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nThe incident  \n\nThe fire occurred in a sixth-floor flat of a nine-storey residential building.\n1 concealed sprinkler head activated extinguishing the fire.\nContaining\, controlling fire growth to the room of origin.\nMinor water\, smoke damage was reported within the flat\nThe premises emergency plan allowed Triangle Fire to be notified of the activation allowing the system to be recommissioned\n\nThe benefits sprinklers \nFor this reported fire\, the benefits of installing a residential sprinkler system within a residential purpose-built block of flats. The outcome of which \n\nRestricted the fire’s growth\, containing and controlling the fire to the room of origin.\nNo injuries were reported.\nPreventing conflagration that could challenge FRS maintaining a business-as-usual routine service.\n\nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler saves autumn update\n¹Optimal economics report Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk: An analysis from fire service data\nTriangle Fire Systems Ltd\, Sprinkler Save\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n  \n             
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/dagenham-flat-kitchen-fire-sprinklers-save/
LOCATION:Greater London
CATEGORIES:Residential
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250604
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250605
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250715T114409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T122110Z
UID:10000521-1748995200-1749081599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bedfordshire Tall Building Bedroom Fire Saved By Retrofitted Sprinkler System
DESCRIPTION:Image credit BM Sprinklers/Triangle\nGroup Commander Mark Garrett\, responsible for fire safety at Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS)\, said: “This incident shows exactly how sprinklers save lives. The system worked perfectly\, stopping the fire before it could spread. Our partnership with bpha helps keep residents safe. \nSummary  \nBFRS have reported that on Wednesday 4 June at 10:33pm fire crews were mobilised to a dwelling bedroom fire within a residential purpose-built block of flats\, caused by a lit cigarette extinguished by the operation of the premises’ retrofitted residential sprinkler system. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. Each of these incidents provides evidence of the effectiveness of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nFor this reported fire\, the benefits of retrofitting a residential sprinkler system within the dwellings of a single staircase purpose-built block of flats of 12 floors. The outcome of which \n\nRestricted the fire’s growth\, containing and controlling the fire to the room of origin.\nExtinguished the fire before the arrival of BFRS.\nPreventing a potential major protracted incident that could strain the operational resilience of BFRS resources and challenge maintaining routine services.\n\nThe Incident  \nOn arrival the incident commander established that a bedroom fire caused by a lit cigarette had been contained\, controlled and extinguished following the activation of 1 sidewall sprinkler head before the arrival of BFRS. No injuries were reported\, the resident self-evacuated the flat following the actuation of the domestic smoke detector \nImage credit BM Sprinklers/Triangle\nImage 1                                                           Image 2 \n           \nImage 1\, Activated sidewall sprinkler head\, located 3m from the seat of the fire which contained\, controlled and extinguished the fire. \nImage 2\, Identifies that the seat of the fire was in the vicinity below the head rest involving bed linen/textiles with smoke staining visible on the wall from the plume of the fire. \nOnsite information allowed firefighters to interact with the building sprinkler system allowing the system to be isolated at the conclusion of the incident. Minor water escape was reported affecting adjacent properties which was dealt with by bpha contractors in a timely manner. \nbpha should be recognised for their fire safety review within their residential high-rise building portfolio allowing the retrofitting of sprinklers on a case-by-case basis. \nLegislation \nThe outcome of this incident could have been so much different if sprinklers had not been fitted. Providing further evidence supporting calls from the ¹National Fire Chiefs Council urging the government to introduce regulations mandating sprinklers in England and specifically to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in all existing residential buildings over 11 metres in height based on risk assessments. Currently\, there is no statutory legislation for the retrofitting of sprinklers within residential tall buildings. \nThis incident demonstrates the benefits of installing and retrofitting sprinklers in such buildings\, showing that a properly designed and installed sprinkler system to BS9251:21 can detect\, raise the alarm\, and control or extinguish a fire at an early stage. \nThe provision of a sprinkler system does not eliminate the need for other fire safety measures\, especially for individuals at higher-than-average risk from fire and those unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/25\nSprinkler Saves Spring Update No 8\n1NFCC Sprinkler Position Statement\nBedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n        \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/bedfordshire-retrofitted-tall-building-bedroom-fire-saved-by-sprinkler-system/
LOCATION:Bedfordshire
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250601T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20251112T072326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T065725Z
UID:10000539-1748764800-1751302800@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Dagenham Flat Kitchen Sprinklers Save
DESCRIPTION:Summary \nTriangle Fire Systems Ltd reported an incident involving a fire in a residential block of flats. The life safety sprinkler system was activated and effectively extinguished a cooking-related fire within one of the dwellings. \nA sprinkler save is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy for a building. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by ¹Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nRevealed that across all premises types: – \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nThe incident  \n\nThe fire occurred in a sixth-floor flat of a nine-storey residential building.\n1 concealed pendent sprinkler head activated extinguishing the fire.\nContaining\, controlling fire growth to the room of origin.\nMinor water\, smoke damage was reported within the flat.\nThe premises emergency plan allowed the sprinkler contractors to be notified of the activation allowing the system to be recommissioned following the incident.\n\nThe benefits sprinklers \nFor this reported fire\, the benefits of installing a residential sprinkler system within a residential purpose-built block of flats. The outcome of which  \n\nRestricted the fire’s growth\, containing and controlling the fire to the room of origin.\nNo injuries were reported.\nPreventing conflagration that could challenge FRS maintaining a business-as-usual routine service.\n\nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler saves autumn update\n¹Optimal economics report Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk: An analysis from fire service data\nTriangle Fire Systems Ltd\, Sprinkler Save\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance. \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link.
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/dagenham-flat-kitchen-sprinklers-save/
LOCATION:Dagenham
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250520
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250521
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250521T161232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T074710Z
UID:10000515-1747699200-1747785599@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Cleveland Retrofitted Tall Building Kitchen Saved By Sprinkler System
DESCRIPTION: Image credit CFB\n“This incident again demonstrates the dangers associated with the use of chip pans\, Cleveland Fire Brigade urge members of the public to switch to safer alternative methods of cooking.  We applaud the landords approach to ensuring the safety of its residents through the installation of sprinkler systems\, without these this incident could have been catastrophic.” Says Matty Stather\, Fire Engineering Station Manager at Cleveland Fire Brigade. \n“Sprinkler systems are a highly effective\, reliable and a cost-effective fire safety measure that can save lives\, reduce injuries\, protect our firefighters who attend incidents\, provide peace of mind for our residents\, and reduce property damage. Cleveland Fire Brigade is committed to reducing risk to its communities and the installation of sprinklers by residential properties\, businesses\, schools\, and care homes will help achieve this.” Continued Matty Stather \nSummary \nOur thanks to Cleveland Fire Brigade (CFB) for reporting this positive news story reaffirming the importance of reporting sprinkler saves to Sprinkler Saves UK following a kitchen fire within a residential purpose-built block of flats extinguished by the operation of the premises residential sprinkler system. \nA sprinkler save is categorised as where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled or in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. Each of these real-life individual tangible stories provides powerful evidence of the ability of sprinklers as part of an appropriate package of fire safety measures. \n\nReducing the impact of fire on people\, property and the environment\, reducing the risks to firefighters.\nAddressing the myths\, misconceptions regarding their safety and efficiency\, providing evidence of the ability of sprinklers to protect our communities from fire.\n\nFor this reported fire\, the benefits of \n\nRetrofitting a residential sprinkler system within the dwellings\, common ways of a single staircase purpose-built block of flats of 12 storeys.\nPreventing a potential major protracted incident\, which can lead to a significant strain on the operational resilience of Fire Rescue Service (FRS) resources\, leading to challenges maintaining a business-as-usual service.\nIncorporating a robust emergency plan allowing for the immediate attendance of an on-call response team to reinstate the sprinkler system\nDebunking the myth that residential sprinklers as an extinguishing media should not be used on fires involving chip pans.\n\nThe benefit of retrofitting life safety sprinkler systems by the landlord within their residential tall building property portfolio was demonstrated following reports of an accidental fire involving a chip pan fire\, two persons were present in the dwelling at the time of the fire who self-evacuated with no injuries reported before the arrival of CFB. \nThe heat generated from the fire\, activated 1 sidewall sprinkler head within the kitchen\, located 1.5m away from the seat of the fire\, which allowed a fire signal to be transmitted to the remote alarm receiving centre allowing the appropriate emergency response. The operation of the sprinkler system restricted the growth of the fire\, extinguishing the fire before the arrival of CFB. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by ¹Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nThe reports found that: \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nThe provision of a sprinkler system does not neglect the need for other fire practical precautions or provisions where the person is at higher-than-average risk from fire\, unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \nThe Incident \n\nFire crews were mobilised by CFB fire control at 18:17 to a fire following an emergency call received from the landlord’s remote alarm receiving centre.\nResulting in the mobilisation of 4 pumping appliances\, 1 aerial appliance.\nFollowing the completion of a dynamic risk assessment by the incident commander (IC) it was established that the sprinkler system on the 11 floor of the 12-storey building had operated with in a flat.\nThe provision of the sprinkler system provided extra time for the IC to implement a robust operational high rise tactical plan for the incident.\nUpon entry to the flat\, fire crews established that a fire within a kitchen had been contained\, controlled and extinguished by the activation of 1 sidewall sprinkler head located within the room of origin.\nThe cause of the fire was cooking left unattended involving a chip pan which caught light\nMinimal fire/smoke damage was reported within the compartment of origin.\nNo further firefighting media was required by CFB.\nThe sprinkler system for the individual flat was isolated by CFB following confirmation to the IC that the fire was all out.\nTwo residents self-evacuated before the arrival of CFB\, no injuries were reported.\nThe sprinkler system was reinstated at 22:13 hours\n\nAll images credit CFB        \n \nImage 1 Seat of the fire with limited smoke/fire damage.                             \n \n Image 2 Minor fire damage sustained to the ceiling  above the fire. \n \nImage 3 Position of sidewall sprinkler head.                    \n\n Image 4 Sidewall sprinkler head.                                     \n\n  Image 5 Concealed sidewall sprinkler cover plate.          \n \nImage 6 location of flat isolation valve located in ceiling void in the common ways above the flat front door.\nPremises emergency plan \nDue to the provision of a robust emergency plan protocols were in place allowing firefighters to interact with the sprinkler system allowing the system to be isolated following the orders of the IC when it was identified the fire was all out. \nThe problem\, post fire sprinkler saves reported where buildings have been identified as affected by water egress following the successful activation of the sprinkler system containing\, controlling or in some cases extinguishing the fire\, predominately due to. \n\nPoor business continuity management\, inadequate onsite emergency planning by the building manager or responsible person for the fire safety arrangements within a building.\nAllowing onsite information to be available for firefighters to interact with the building active fire safety measures namely automatic water fire suppression systems.\n\nThere is now a high probability that firefighters will attend a variety of incidents where sprinklers systems are reported as present and having an impact within these types of buildings. \nThe provision of a robust emergency plan will allow an immediate emergency response to be actioned by the FRS to assist in the management of water from the activation of the sprinkler system following a fire or even following the unlikely likelihood of un-intentional release of water\, due to the knock-on effect this can have on a business or occupancy. Debunking the myth that water damage following the actuation of the sprinkler system will be more expensive than the actual damage resulting from the fire. \nDemonstrating that a correctly designed and installed sprinkler system can detect\, raise the alarm and control or in this case extinguish a fire at an early stage of development. \nCFB maintaining a business-as-usual service \nAusterity\, cuts in public funding across the country have significantly impacted FRS resulting in a significant reduction to front line cover and prevention and protection activities putting a strain on resources impacting on public safety and service delivery. \nMajor protracted fire incidents therefore have a knock-on effect on local FRS resources\, leading to challenges maintaining a business-as-usual service allowing an effective response to attend other emergencies. The benefits of installing sprinkler systems in the built environment for FRS should not be underestimated. \n\nReduces the rate of production of heat and smoke\, limiting fire development preventing flash over providing the FRS.\n\n\nWith a further layer of protection for firefighters.\nCrucial time for the operational tactical plan to be implemented by the IC\, complete search and rescue operations.\nResources released earlier from the incident\, to attend other emergency incidents allowing a business-as-usual service to be maintained.\n\nFor FRS the early release of resources is paramount\, CFB have six whole time stations and 10 on call stations mainly in rural areas. For this incident 4 pumping appliances\, 1 aerial platform were  mobilised as part of the predetermined attendance. Due to the positive impact of the sprinkler system on the fire\, the incident stop message was sent 1 hour after the initial call allowing the release of all resources to be available to attend other emergencies. \nRetrofitting Sprinkler systems within tall residential buildings \nAt present there is no statutory legislation for the retrofitting of sprinklers within residential tall buildings. This incident demonstrates the benefits of installing\, retrofitting sprinklers within residential tall buildings\, demonstrating that a correctly designed and installed sprinkler system can detect\, raise the alarm and control or for this incident extinguish the fire at an early stage of development. \nIn addition to providing attending crews with confidence when attending tall building fires which are sprinkler protected compared to other buildings which are not sprinkler protected. \n¹Optimal economics report\, Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk: An Analysis from fire service data \nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2023/2024\nSprinkler saves Spring Update No 7\nBAFSA Information file\, A guide for Responsible Persons and Duty Holder\nEfficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk\nCleveland Fire Brigade\nBAFSA video chip pan demonstration\, click here to open chip pan fire\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n      \n  \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/cleveland-retrofitted-tall-building-kitchen-saved-by-sprinkler-system/
LOCATION:cleveland
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250516
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250517
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250722T174413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250731T152757Z
UID:10000524-1747353600-1747439999@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Cambridgeshire flat fire extinguished by sprinkler system
DESCRIPTION:Steve Flemming\, Fire Protection Manager  \n“Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue continue to support the National requirement for Sprinkler provision\, supporting their proven ability to save lives\, reduce fire damage\, and protect communities.” \n“Recent fire incidents have highlighted the devastating impact of fires that spread rapidly before emergency services arrive. The presence of sprinklers can drastically reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities.” \nSummary \nCambridgeshire Fire Rescue Service (CFRS) have reported a fire within a new purpose-built block of flats containing a mixture of 1- and 2-bedroom flats. The sprinkler system activated extinguishing the fire the cause of the fire was due to combustible material placed on the kitchen hob which had been accidentally turned on\, no injuries were reported. \nA sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled\, or\, in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness\, benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by ¹Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nIf it was not for the change in regulatory guidance for England reducing the threshold height for the installation of sprinklers within purpose group 1a (residential block of flats) from 30m to 11m in November 2020. The outcome of this incident could have been so different. \nThe incident  \n\n 2 pumping appliances were mobilised to reports of a fire\, on arrival the incident commander (IC) established that the premises sprinkler system had activated on the second floor of the 3-storey building.\nUpon entry to the flat\, fire crews established that the heat generated from the fire activated two concealed sprinkler heads within the room of origin.\nExtinguishing the fire with minimal fire/smoke damage reported\, no further firefighting was required.\nThe sprinkler system was immediately isolated by CFRS following confirmation to the IC that the fire was out\, fortunately a contractor was onsite who directed the crews to the sprinkler pump room allowing the system to be isolated at the conclusion of the incident.\nCrews remained onsite at the conclusion of the incident to complete salvage operations assisting with the removal of water released following the activation of the sprinkler system.\n\nBusiness Recovery plan  \n Firefighters are increasingly likely to respond to incidents in buildings equipped with sprinkler systems\, it is therefore critical for building managers and duty holders to integrate an effective business recovery plan into the premises’ emergency protocols. The benefit of which will allow the fire service to efficiently manage water following sprinkler system activation during a fire or in the rare event of accidental discharge\, thereby mitigating potential disruptions to business operations or occupancy. This should include comprehensive\, clear and accessible onsite information to facilitate fire service engagement allowing the sprinkler system to be isolated following confirmation to the incident commander the fire is all out. \nConclusion \nThis incident provides further evidence that the main functional objectives of a life safety sprinkler system were achieved. \n\nFirefighters can operate without due risk to assist evacuation\, effect rescue when necessary\nPrevent conflagration\nPreventing a potential major protracted incident\, which can lead to a significant strain on the operational resilience of Fire Rescue Service (FRS) resources\, leading to challenges maintaining a business-as-usual service.\n\nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025\nSprinkler Saves Summer Update No 8\nBAFSA Information file\, A guide for responsible persons and duty holder\n¹Optimal economics report Efficiency and Effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk: An analysis from fire service data\nCambridgeshire FRS Sprinklers\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n   
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/cambridgeshire-flat-fire-extinguished-by-sprinkler-system/
LOCATION:Cambridgeshire
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250501T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250531T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250614T184832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250622T133917Z
UID:10000520-1746086400-1748710800@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bristol Tall Building Air Fryer Kitchen Fire Saved By Sprinkler System
DESCRIPTION:Summary \nOur thanks to Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AFRS) for reporting this positive news story reaffirming the importance of reporting sprinkler saves to Sprinkler Saves Uk following a kitchen fire involving an electric air fryer within a residential purpose-built block of flats extinguished by the operation of the premises residential sprinkler system with no injuries reported. \nThe air fryer is now a popular kitchen appliance with the number of dwelling fires in England with “air fryer “mentioned in the additional free text from statistics sourced from the ¹Home Office Incident recording system (IRS) increasing year on year between 2016-2024 with 146 fires reported for the year ending 2024. Due to the limitations of the Incident recording system\, it is not possible to record ‘air fryer’ as an ignition source for fires. \nThis is the second reported sprinkler activation reported to sprinkler Saves Uk involving a electric air fryer where the fire was contained\, controlled and extinguished by the sprinkler system containing the fire to the room of origin. \nA sprinkler save is categorised as where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled or in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. The story around the incident provides powerful evidence of the ability of sprinklers to protect life\, firefighters\, and property from fire as part of a package of fire safety measures. \nProviding further weight to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the report conducted by ²Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nThe reports found that: \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate\n\nFor this reported fire\, the benefits of Installing a residential life safety system within the dwellings of a residential tall building. \n\nReducing the spread of heat and smoke\, allowing more time for the occupants to escape to safety or be rescued.\nPreventing a major protracted incident\, which can compromise the operational resilience of Fire Rescue Services leading to challenges maintaining a business-as -usual service.\nFirefighters can operate without due risk to assist evacuation\, effect rescue when necessary\nPreventing the fire from spreading from the compartment of origin compromising the common ways.\nPrevent Conflagration\n\nThe provision of a sprinkler system does not neglect the need for other fire practical precautions or provisions where the person is at higher-than-average risk from fire\, unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \nThe Incident \n\nFire crews were mobilised to a confirmed fire following an emergency call received from AFRS fire control from the resident of the dwelling.\nUpon entry to the apartment firefighters established that the fire within the open plan flat had been contained\, controlled and extinguished by the activation of 3 concealed sprinkler heads.\nMinor fire/smoke damage was reported within the compartment of origin.\nFire damage was confined to the electric air fryer\, work top\, kitchen wall units located directly above the seat of the fire.\nNo further firefighting media was required by AFRS.\nNo injuries were reported\n\n \nIt is interesting looking at how the fire plume has developed\, firstly attaching itself to the wall\, proceeding to make contact with the underside of the wall unit\, spreading outwards to the front of wall units\, until it reaches the celling spreading outwards forming a smoke layer. Despite the fire being shielded by the kitchen wall units the sprinkler system was successful extinguishing the fire \n \nThe effects of the sprinkler system using water as an extinguishing medium \n The physical properties of the water should not be underestimated \n\nIt cools the fuel\, reducing further generation of flammable gases\nWater is converted to steam in the plume and the hot gases at ceiling level\, so cooling\, reducing the radiated heat\, heating the fuel\nOnce converted into steam\, it limits the amount of oxygen reaching the flames\, smothering them\nWater cools the compartment\, increasing the amount of heat it will absorb from the plume so cooling it further\n\nPrevious incident reported where sprinklers were present having an impact involving electric air fryer fire. \nNottinghamshire student accommodation tall building kitchen fire\, February 2025 \n\nFire within an open plan communal kitchen extinguished by the activation of 2 sprinkler heads\nContained to the room of origin\nMinor fire damage contained to the air fryer\, kitchen worktop\, wall units\n\nProviding further evidence that residential sprinkler systems can contain\, control and extinguish fires involving electric air fryers \nPremises Emergency Plan \n\nThere is now a high probability that firefighters will attend a variety of incidents in buildings where sprinklers systems are reported as present and having an impact.\nIt is essential that the building manager\, duty holder considers that the emergency planning for the building includes onsite response information allowing the emergency services to interact with the active fire protection measures.\nThe benefit of which will allow the fire service to assist in the management of water following the activation of the sprinkler system following a fire or even following the unlikely likelihood of un-intentional release of water\, due to the knock-on effect this can have on a business or occupancy.\nDebunking the myth that water damage following the actuation of the sprinkler system will be more expensive than the actual damage resulting from the fire.\nFurther guidance can be found in the BAFSA Information file\, A guide for Responsible Persons and Duty Holder.\n\nReinstatement of the Fire Protection Measures \n\nIt is paramount that fire protection measures in buildings can function effectively in the event of a fire\, to achieve this the premises emergency plan should include that arrangements are in place allowing the immediate reinstatement of the sprinkler system.\nIt is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order for the responsible person to implement the appropriate arrangements for the effective planning\, organisation\, control\, monitoring of the preventive and protective measures.\nAny delay could compromise the safety of the occupants in the event of a further fire within the building due to the sprinkler system being offline.\nThe emergency plan\, provisions were in place allowing the sprinkler system to be reinstated at the conclusion of the incident.\n\nAir Fryers \n\nAre a relatively new cooking appliance being used in our homes\, Aviva insurance have published guidance urging people to exercise caution after a new survey revealed nearly one in five Uk adults (19%) have encountered potential or actual fire hazards in their homes due to air fryers.\nReaffirmed following recent reports of a recent fire involving an air fryer in Bournemouth extinguished by the activation of the premises sprinkler system. The cause of the fire was caused by its owner who set it alight trying a cleaning hack they saw on TikTok.\nFurther research of the incident primary fire data is required to identify a trend on the benefits of sprinklers involving air fryer fires attended by FRS in which sprinklers were present\, having an impact. Due to the limitations of the Incident recording system\, it is not possible to record ‘air fryer’ as an ignition source for fires.\n\nSources/further reading \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2023/2024\n¹Number of dwelling fires in England with “air fryer” mentioned in the additional information free text (IRS primary fire data)\n²Efficiency and Effectiveness of Sprinkler Systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service data \nAviva issues fire warning around air fryer habits\nBAFSA Information file\, A guide for Responsible Persons and Duty Holder\n\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n       \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/bristol-tall-building-air-fryer-kitchen-fire-saved-by-sprinkler-system/
CATEGORIES:Residential
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250501T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250531T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250614T180133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T100240Z
UID:10000519-1746086400-1748710800@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bristol Residential Block of Flats E-Bicycle Sprinkler Save
DESCRIPTION:Summary \nA sprinkler save is categorised as where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained\, controlled or in some cases\, extinguished a building fire. Each of these real-life individual tangible stories provides powerful evidence of the ability of sprinklers as part of an appropriate package of fire safety measures. \n\nReducing the impact of fire on people\, property and the environment\, reducing the risks to firefighters.\nAddressing the myths\, misconceptions regarding their safety and efficiency\, providing evidence of the ability of sprinklers to protect our communities from fire.\nPreventing a potential major protracted incident\, which can lead to a significant strain on the operational resilience of Fire Rescue Service (FRS) resources\, leading to challenges maintaining a business-as-usual service.\n\nThis is the third reported fire reported to Sprinkler Saves Uk involving a e-bike/scooter within a domestic dwelling\, on each occasion the fire was contained\, controlled and extinguished by the activation of the premises sprinkler system. \nAvon Fire Rescue Service (AFRS)\, report that a E-bicycle within the hallway of a four roomed flat close to the flat front door caught fire. \n\nPreventing the occupants from self-evacuating the dwelling to a place of safety.\n10 persons in the dwelling at the time of the fire sought refuge in a room until rescued by firefighters using an aerial ladder platform from the fourth floor of the building.\nThe heat generated from the fire activated 1 concealed sprinkler head directly above the seat of the fire which contained\, controlled and extinguished the fire before the arrival of AFRS.\nMinor injuries were reported for the residents rescued from the flat for smoke inhalation.\n\nFrom the two previous incidents reported. In one\, the family were unable to self-evacuate from their flat because the escape route was compromised by fire resulting in firefighters assisting\, rescuing them from their dwelling. \n\nApril 2023\, Birmingham retrofitted residential block of flats¹\n\n\nE-bicycle\, lithium-ion battery left on charge in the hallway of the flat which caught fire compromising the means of escape.\nFire extinguished by the activation of the sprinkler system.\nFamily sought refuge on their external balcony until rescued by firefighters\nNo injuries reported.\n\nA West Midlands mum says her partner and her young son owe their lives to a sprinkler system \nafter it doused a fire in their high-rise home. She is quoted as saying in a West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service (WMFRS) media release: “We couldn’t get out. We were on the tenth floor. It was too high. I can tell you for sure that the sprinklers saved our lives. It is brilliant they were installed in the first place.” \n\nDecember 2024\, Gloucestershire house of multi occupancy² \n\n\nE-Bike\, lithium-ion battery left on charge within a studio flat which caught fire\n1 sprinkler head activated within the room of origin extinguishing the fire.\nResident self-evacuated the premises prior to the arrival of the FRS.\nNo injuries reported.\n\nObi Selassie\, Gloucestershire FRS Station Manager “If it was not for the activation of the sprinkler system extinguishing the fire before the arrival of the fire service\, we could be discussing a different outcome for this incident\, The benefits of sprinklers should not be underestimated they save lives and reduce injuries\, protect firefighters.” \nThe growing risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires involving lithium batteries should not be underestimated as these fires can spread rapidly and develop into larger fires within a short period of time\, potentially leading to significant uncontrollable runaway fires. Despite sprinkler protection of lithium batteries being outside the scope of current sprinkler design standards\, these incident(s) demonstrates that a sprinkler system can contain and help\, control a e-bike/scooter lithium battery fire. Reaffirming the importance of not charging batteries within your escape routes\, the dangers of lithium battery fires should not be underestimated as they can spread quickly out of control developing into significant fires within a short period of time. \nProviding further evidence that the main functional objectives of a life safety sprinkler system were achieved. \n\nReducing the rate of heat and smoke\, containing\, controlling the fire.\nReducing the likelihood of a fire spreading beyond the room of origin.\nFirefighters operated without due risk to either effect rescue or assist evacuation.\nPrevent conflagration\n\nAdding further evidence to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the two recent reports conducted ³Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires. \nThe reports found that: \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nThe provision of a sprinkler system does not neglect the need for other fire practical precautions or provisions where the person is at higher-than-average risk from fire\, unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \nThe Incident \n\nFire crews were mobilised to a flat fire within a residential block of flats following an emergency call received by AFRS control.\nFollowing the completion of a dynamic risk assessment on arrival by the incident commander (IC) it was established that the sprinkler system on the 4 floor of the 6-storey building had operated within a 4 roomed flat.\nThe provision of the sprinkler system provided extra time for the IC to implement a robust operational tactical plan for the incident.\nUpon entry to the flat\, fire crews established that a fire within the flat hallway had been contained\, controlled and extinguished by the activation of 1 concealed sprinkler head located directly above the seat of the fire.\nMinimal fire/smoke damage was reported within the hallway.\nNo further firefighting media was required by AFRS.\n10 residents were required to be rescued by firefighters via turntable ladder due to the location of the fire near the flat front door compromising the means of escape.\nCause of the fire\, accidental involving a E-bicycle.\nThe common ways of the premises were not compromised by the fire as the flat front door (FD30S) contained the fire to the flat of origin\n\n\nAll images credit AFRS\nThis incident demonstrates the benefits of installing\, sprinklers within residential tall buildings\, demonstrating that a correctly designed and installed sprinkler system to BS9251 can detect\, raise the alarm\, control or extinguish the fire at an early stage of development. Providing attending crews with confidence when attending tall building fires which are sprinkler protected compared to other buildings which are not sprinkler protected. \nAFRS maintaining a business-as-usual service \nAusterity\, cuts in public funding across the country have significantly impacted FRS resulting in a significant reduction to front line cover and prevention and protection activities putting a strain on resources impacting on public safety and service delivery. Major protracted fire incidents therefore have a knock-on effect on local FRS resources\, leading to challenges maintaining a business-as-usual service allowing an effective response to attend other emergencies. The benefits of installing sprinkler systems in the built environment for FRS should not be underestimated. \nReducing the rate of production of heat and smoke\, limiting fire development preventing flash over providing the FRS. \n\nWith a further layer pf protection for firefighters\nCrucial time for the operational tactical plan to be implemented by the IC\nTo complete search and rescue operations\nResources released earlier from the incident\, to attend other emergency incidents allowing a business-as-usual service to be maintained.\n\nDue to the positive impact following the operation of the sprinkler system\, the incident was scaled down by the IC\, allowing the release of resources to be available to attend other emergencies. \nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2023/2024\nSprinkler saves Spring Update No 7\nBAFSA Information file\, A guide for Responsible Persons and Duty Holder\nAvon Fire and Rescue Service\, sprinklers\n¹Sprinkler save review\, April 2023\, Birmingham retrofitted residential block of flats\n²Sprinkler Save review\, December 2024\, Gloucestershire house of multi occupancy\n³Optimal economics report\, efficiency and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in the Uk\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link.
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/bristol-residential-block-of-flats-e-bicycle-sprinkler-save/
LOCATION:Bristol
CATEGORIES:Residential
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250414T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250414T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T011306
CREATED:20250423T084052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250429T170206Z
UID:10000511-1744617600-1744650000@www.sprinklersaves.co.uk
SUMMARY:LFB Reported Sprinkler Activations February-March 2025
DESCRIPTION:Introduction \nOur gratitude to The London Fire Brigade (LFB) for their ongoing support\, playing a key leadership role in promoting the benefits of fire sprinklers by the reporting of sprinkler activations\, rising to the call from the National Fire Chiefs Council who actively encourage fire services to collate\, provide fire data and case studies to Sprinkler Saves UK. \nReporting incidents taken from the Incident Recording System (IRS) for the month(s) of February -March 2025 where Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) were reported as present\, having an impact in Greater London. Raising awareness of how the destructive effects of fire can be mitigated\, and in most cases\, be prevented through the enhanced use of sprinklers\, and other forms of AFSS which save lives\, protect firefighters\, homes and businesses as part of an appropriate package of fire safety benefits \nLondon Fire Brigade  \nLFB Is one of the largest\, firefighting\, community safety rescue services in the world protecting residents and property in Greater London as well as those who work or visit the capital. They report attending 126\,464 incidents of which 16\,120 were fires for the year 2023. \nLondon \nAs the capital of the United Kingdom\, London is also the largest city with a population of just over nine million and is projected to reach 10 million by 2035. It is home to one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the world. There are 32 boroughs in Greater London\, except for the City of London which is a county and government district. The risk from fire in the capital is diverse\, ranging from large industrial premises\, complex retail shopping centres\, major transport hubs\, and large high-rise residential developments. The latter is a key area as half of the population of London live in flats compared to less than 20% in the rest of the country. \nThe Review \nThe incidents contained within this review are collated from the Incident Recording System (IRS) for the month of February/March 2025 where AFSS were reported as present\, having an impact in Greater London. \n\nProviding evidence on the vital role sprinklers and other forms of suppression play by highlighting real\, tangible examples of where they have actuated.\nRaising awareness of the importance of collating sprinkler actuations from across the United Kingdom so societal awareness of the true value of sprinklers can be increased.\nAllowing trends\, anomalies to be identified in the emerging UK AFSS firefighting industry allowing the continued review of technical standards ensuring best practice within the sprinkler\, fire industry.\nProviding further evidence reaffirming the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following the two reports conducted by ¹Optimal Economics\, and commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council\, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance\, reliability\, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires.\n\nIncident Recording System (IRS) \nWhen a household or business has made an emergency fire call\, key information around the incident is captured\, inputted daily into the IRS by the Incident Commander (IC)of the incident using software forms structured into logical groups. For the most severe fire incidents the senior fire investigation officer compiles a report that details the findings of the investigation and the most likely origin and cause. Once completed\, this officer reviews and where necessary updates the IRS record to reflect the findings of the investigation. \n Each group contains questions in data fields with associated lists containing the appropriate answer options. Data collected about serious reportable fires include: \n\nTime and date of call\nFire Service or other geographical area\nType of building or vehicle\nMost likely motive (accidental or malicious)\nCause of fire (chip pan fires\, electrical\, etc.)\nSource of ignition (cigarettes\, cookers\, etc.)\nMaterials (furniture\, etc.)\nThe spread of fire (beyond room of origin\, etc.)\nThe nature of fire casualties\nRescue information and method of extinction\nThe effectiveness of automatic smoke detectors\nWere there any active safety systems present?\n\nThe importance of monitoring AFSS incident data has been acknowledged by the inclusion of the active safety system field focusing on the following performance characteristics of AFSS fire data. \n\nType of active safety system present\nLocation of active safety systems in relation to fire\nDid the system operate\nHow many operated\nImpact upon fire\nReason system did not function as intended\n\nThe IRS data captured is dependent on the fire officer who inputs the data and their training\, experience of AFSS and commitment to complete reporting. Not all fire officers might be able to identify the difference between a sprinkler or water mist system or take the time to count the number of sprinkler head activations before leaving the scene. \nThe use of IRS data plays an important role in promoting the benefits of AFSS as part of a combination of fire safety measures to reduce the impact of fire on our communities\, property and the environment\, while assisting fire firefighters in carrying out search and rescue operations by limiting fire development. \nIt should be remembered the installation of a life safety sprinkler system is to reduce the rate of heat and smoke\, allowing more time for the occupants to escape to safety or be rescued. The provision of a sprinkler system does not neglect the need for other fire practical precautions or provisions where the person is at higher-than-average risk from fire\, unable to self-evacuate in the event of a fire. \nKey facts: – 13 Incidents reported. \n\n5 incidents\, where the fire was extinguished by the activation of the sprinkler system\n2 incidents where the fire was contained/controlled by the activation of the sprinkler system\n1 incident where the fire was contained/controlled by the activation of the 3drencher system\n1 incident where the water mist system impact was recorded as ¹not know\n4 incidents reported where the sprinkler system did not operate\, due to\n\n\n1x Insufficient heat to operate the sprinkler system\n1x Not known\n2x Sprinkler system was not in the area where the fire occurred\n\n \nThese incidents provide further evidence\, supporting the UK research which was commissioned by The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)\, National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN) and supported by BAFSA in the publication\, “Efficiency and Effectiveness of Sprinkler Systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service Data”. Across all premises types: \n\nSprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.\nSprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.\n\nIncidents AFSS were reported as present\, having an impact.  \nPost the Grenfell tower fire\, regulatory and sector changes relating to fire safety have occurred. One such change has been the increase in installations of sprinklers across the country with housing providers\, local authorities and developers committing to install sprinklers in purpose-built block of flats on a new and retrofit basis. \nOf the 13 AFSS activations reported\, 2 incidents involved\, Purpose Built Flats/Maisonettes – 10 or more storeys extinguished on both occasions by the operation of the sprinkler system\, providing further evidence that the main functional objectives of a life safety sprinkler system were achieved. \n\nReducing the rate of heat and smoke\, containing and controlling or even extinguishing the fire.\nReducing the likelihood of a fire spreading beyond the room of origin.\nFirefighters completing operational duties without due risk to either effect rescue or assist evacuation.\nPrevent conflagration.\n\n1.Westminister Bus/coach station/garage \n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; corridor/hall\nAFSS; Sprinklers.\nImpact of AFSS; Contained/controlled\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 1.\n\nA fire involving the unsafe disposal of a cigarette within the corridor/hall of a bus station terminal was contained\, controlled by the activation of 1 sprinkler head which raised the alarm\, the fire was extinguished by crews using a 1x hose reel jet with fire spread limited to item first ignited. \n2.Westminister Takeaway\, fast food \n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Watermist\nImpact of AFSS; Extinguished.\n2Number of sprinkler heads operated; 0\n\nIt is reported that a fire within the basement of a fast-food deep fat fryer restaurant was extinguished by the activation of the premises watermist system containing the fire to the room of origin. On arrival operational crews deployed a hose reel jet to extinguish remaining hotspots. \nFurther enquires would have to be made with LFB confirming the details recorded for the fixed firefighting system present\, having an impact. Typically\, the type of firefighting system found in commercial kitchens are wet chemical systems used for object protection\, kitchen areas\, fryers\, oil cookers etc and not used for area wide protection of a building. \nThe benefit of installing wet chemicals is that they provide excellent flame knockdown and surface cooling the scope of kitchen protection should include all appliances that are capable of catching fire and not just the deep fat fryers\, protection should cover ventilated ceilings/hoods\, plenums and duct entrances and should be activated simultaneously. \n2The number of water mist nozzles operated are not required to be recorded by the end user for watermist systems \n\n Kensington and Chelsea Converted Flat/Maisonettes – 3 or more storeys\n\n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Extinguished.\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 2\n\nFire crews were mobilised to reports of a fire within a converted Victorian terraced building converted into flats\, on arrival the IC identified that the sprinkler system operated containing\, controlling the fire within a flat by the activation of 2 sprinkler heads. \nThe fire was extinguished by firefighters using 1 hose reel jet\, further enquires are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire. \n\n Southwark Restaurant/café\n\n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Extinguished.\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 1\n\nIt is reported that the activation of 1 sprinkler head extinguished a fire within a commercial kitchen\, contained to the item first ignited with 5m² fire damage. No further firefighting was required. \n\n Waltham Forest House (single private dwelling)\n\n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Extinguished.\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 1\n\nThe benefits of sprinklers as a life safety system reinforced following a kitchen fire involving a chip pan/deep fat fryer which was extinguished by the activation of 1 sprinkler head. Firefighters rescued two persons on arrival\,  fire spread was contained to the item first ignited with no further firefighting required by operational crews on arrival. \n6.Westminister Public House \n\nDate of Incident; March\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Drencher\nImpact of AFSS; Extinguished.\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 1\n\nA basement kitchen fire involving a cooking pan left unattended resulted in the attendance of 25 firefighters to control\, extinguish the fire which damaged the kitchen and the ducting. It is reported that a drencher system was present having an impact containing controlling the fire. \nThe benefits of fixed firefighting systems controlling a fire has been proven to protect property\, business and jobs with the impacted business operational within hours\, avoiding the economic and social costs. \nFurther enquires would have to be made with LFB regarding the IRS primary fire data recorded for this incident as a drencher system is designed primarily for exterior fire protection. Typically\, in commercial kitchens fixed firefighting systems such as wet chemical systems are used for object protection\, kitchen areas\, fryers\, oil cookers etc and not used for area wide protection of a building. \nThe benefit of installing wet chemicals is that they provide excellent flame knockdown and surface cooling the scope of kitchen protection should include all appliances that are capable of catching fire and not just the deep fat fryers\, protection should cover ventilated ceilings/hoods\, plenums and duct entrances and should be activated simultaneously. \n7 Newham Purpose Built Flats/Maisonettes – 10 or more storeys \n\nDate of Incident; March\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Living room\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Extinguished.\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 2\n\nLFB were mobilised to reports of a fire within a new purpose-built block of flats\, on arrival it was established that a living room fire within a flat had been extinguished by the activation of 2 sprinkler heads which contained\, controlled the fire to the room of origin. \nNo further firefighting was required\, the cause of the fire was reported to involve wiring\, cabling\, plugs. \n\n Westminster Purpose Built Flats/Maisonettes – 10 or more storeys\n\n\nDate of Incident; March\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Other.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Extinguished.\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 1\n\nThe benefits of installing sprinklers within a mixed-use development was reinforced following reports of a fire involving smoking materials within a flat which was extinguished by the activation of 1 sprinkler head which contained the fire to the room of origin\, no further firefighting was required by firefighters. \n4x incidents were reported where the sprinkler system did not activate which was due to either: – \n\nInsufficient heat to operate\, activate the sprinkler system.\nThe sprinkler system was not in the area where the fire\nFurther  enquiries would have to be made to establish the facts with LFB for  1 incident recorded as not known.\n\n\nCroydon Ford and drink processing\n\n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; 4Did not contain/control.\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 0\n\nIt is reported that a fire in an item of electrical equipment within a fast-food modular restaurant commercial kitchen was extinguished using a local water supply. Whilst a sprinkler system was installed no heads operated as the fire was in an area not covered by the system. \nFurther enquires would have to be made with LFB regarding the IRS primary fire data recorded for this incident as a sprinkler system is typically not found in these types of modular restaurants  Typically\, in commercial kitchens fixed firefighting systems such as wet chemical systems are used for object protection\, kitchen areas\, fryers\, oil cookers etc and not used for area wide protection of a building. \nThe benefit of installing wet chemicals is that they provide excellent flame knockdown and surface cooling the scope of kitchen protection should include all appliances that are capable of catching fire and not just the deep fat fryers\, protection should cover ventilated ceilings/hoods\, plenums and duct entrances and should be activated simultaneously. \n4Firefighting system impact\, did not contained/control the fire\, this is a typo error as the system did not activate \n\n Southwark self-contained sheltered housing \n\n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Not Known\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 0\n\nIt is reported that firefighters were called to a kitchen fire involving a microwave oven\, whilst a sprinkler system was installed within the premises it did not operate\, no firefighting was required as the heat source was removed. \n\n Kensington & Chelsea restaurant/cafe\n\n\nDate of Incident; February\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Not Known\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 0\n\nFire crews were called to reports of a commercial kitchen fire involving a dishwasher\, no further firefighting was required on arrival with fire spread limited to item first ignited\, the sprinkler system did not operate due to insufficient heat. \n\n Hillingdon purpose-built flats/maisonettes – 10 or more storeys\n\n\nDate of Incident; March\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Not Known\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 0\n\nFirefighting crews were mobilised to reports of a flat kitchen fire\, it was established by the IC that no further firefighting was required as the item first ignited had been removed from the heat source. The retrofitted sprinkler system installed in 2020 within the dwellings did not activate due to insufficient heat. \n13.Wandsworth purpose-built flats/maisonettes – 10 or more storeys \n\nDate of Incident; March\nIncident; Fire.\nLocation of fire; Kitchen.\nAFSS; Sprinklers\nImpact of AFSS; Not Known\nNumber of sprinkler heads operated; 0\n\nA small incident involving wiring\, cabling within a flat bedroom was successfully closed using a local water supply. The sprinkler system did not operate due to insufficient heat being generated by the fire within the room of origin. \nAdvice For Building Managers\, the following advice is intended for building managers\, individuals who have responsibility for fire safety within a building. It is paramount that fire protection measures in buildings can function effectively in the event of a fire. \nTo achieve this: – \n\nMaintenance\, the premises fire protection measures should be maintained periodically in accordance with the relevant standards and codes\, to ensure they are always operational and available.\nEmergency Plan\, the premises emergency plan should include Information onsite for the Fire Rescue Service to clarify the location and provision of key elements of the active fire safety systems. Allowing a robust onsite emergency response to be actioned to assist with the control of the sprinkler system at the conclusion of the fire incident.\nReinstatement of the Fire Protection Measures\, arrangements should be in place allowing the immediate reinstatement of the sprinkler system. Any delay could compromise the safety of the occupants in the event of a further fire within the building due to the sprinkler system being offline.\n\n Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order\, it is a requirement of the Order for the responsible person to implement the appropriate arrangements for the effective planning\, organisation\, control\, monitoring of the preventive and protective measures. \nFurther detailed guidance on sprinkler protected buildings can be found in the BAFSA Information file\, a guide for responsible persons and duty holder. \nSources/further reading.  \n\nSprinkler Saves Review 2023/2024\nSprinkler Saves Summer Update No 6\nLFB sprinklers and other types of AFSS\nBAFSA Information file\, A guide for Responsible Persons and Duty Holder\nEfficiency and Effectiveness of Sprinkler Systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service data in support of this publication a supplementary publication Incidence of Deaths and Injuries in sprinklered buildings was published\n\nIf you want to make a difference working in the fire sector\, we need your assistance…… \nTo make sprinklers the norm and not the exception – we need the evidence. Encouraging FRS and those in the sprinkler community to promote\, collate\, report sprinkler activations to Sprinkler Saves UK which will help to create a central and comprehensive record of fire incidents where sprinklers played their role in containing/controlling or extinguishing the fire. \nIf you hear of a save report it using this link. \n             \n 
URL:https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/lfb-reported-sprinkler-activations-february-march-2025/
CATEGORIES:Commercial,Residential
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